Chen Kan and Qiu Fu sat down in the study.
Before he could make tea, Qiu Fu said, "Master Hou, how do you view the death of Duke Cheng Guo?"
Chen Kan paused for a moment, then smiled slowly and said, "I wonder what your father-in-law thinks of it?"
Naturally, things like dividing profits cannot be discussed openly.
Even though both of them are very anxious now, the temptation cannot be avoided.
At least we should test each other first to see if there is any conflict between what we want. If there is any conflict, we can discuss it. If we can't discuss it, we can each rely on our abilities.
As Chen Kan asked, Qiu Fu suddenly showed a playful smile on his face.
His fingers unconsciously tapped on the table, and after a long while, he slowly replied: "I have a close personal relationship with Zhu Neng and Zhang Yu. However, Zhang Yu died young, and now Duke Cheng is also driving to the west, leaving me alone. How can I It’s not pity, it’s painful.”
As soon as these words came out, Chen Kan's face suddenly showed a sad look, and he responded: "I, Da Ming, have sadly lost an arm."
As Chen Kan responded, Qiu Fu also showed a hint of regret on his face.
After a while, Qiu Fu said calmly: "Duke Chengguo passed away, and our Ming Dynasty soldiers were leaderless. Your Majesty must be deeply saddened. Unfortunately, he has passed away, but things have to be done. You and I might as well write to your Majesty to comfort you. Don't do it." It’s better to be too upset about this matter.”
"My father-in-law's words are exactly what I want!"
Chen Kan raised his head and looked at Qiu Fu.
Then he added: "However, it seems to me that just trying to comfort His Majesty is somewhat unsatisfactory. As ministers, we should share your Majesty's worries."
Chen Kan's words were telling Qiu Fu that if you like something, you should choose it first.
Qiu Fu understood, held his beard and thought for a moment, nodded slowly and said: "Of course it is, I heard that before the death of Duke Cheng Guo, he wanted Marquis Xiping to come to Beijing to take over the post of dean of the Naval Academy. However, Marquis Xiping failed to do anything to avoid it. The achievements of keeping achievements are rejected.
The remaining generals all have important positions. I am afraid that the post of dean will eventually fall into the hands of the Marquis. In addition, I heard that there are two general stars rising in the southwest. Now that Duke Cheng Guo has passed away, this god The machine battalion then had two vacant command positions.
Originally, the appointment and dismissal of personnel in the army should be checked and filled by the Ministry of War. However, the Shenji Battalion is one of the three major battalions guarding the capital. As a minister, I have to worry about Your Majesty. "
Qiu Fu's words were beautiful, but they were not very pleasant to Chen Kan's ears.
He said he let Qiu Fu choose first, but he didn't let Qiu Fu choose for him.
Moreover, the post of Dean of the Naval Academy was originally part of the deal between the two.
Zhu Neng's death left so many vacancies, but Qiu Fu was only willing to give him two commander positions. This is somewhat unreasonable.
However, Chen Kan has been trained over the years. Although he was unhappy in his heart, he still said with a smile on his face: "I heard that General Jiang, the governor of Fujian, wanted to return to his hometown. I remember that this General Jiang once Is he an old subordinate of the father-in-law?"
"oh?"
Qiu Fu pretended to be surprised, then shook his head and said: "What happened? General Jiang is indeed my former general, but after Your Majesty ascended the throne, he has been under the command of Duke Cheng Guo, so he wants to become an official. , I really don’t know.”
Chen Kan nodded and said with a smile: "Fujian and Beijing are thousands of miles apart. It's normal for the Lord to not know. If I hadn't sent my servants to the south for purchasing business a few days ago, I wouldn't have known that Old General Jiang had It means retreating bravely from the rapids."
"I see!"
Qiu Fu had a look of surprise on his face, but there was a flash of pain in his eyes.
From the position of the third-grade guard envoy, it was a lucrative position. Zhu Neng had already been eyeing this position before he passed away.
Unexpectedly, Chen Kan didn't like the position of commanding the two Shenji battalions.
But Qiu Fu is also an old fox. After a moment, he thought of a way to deal with it.
He handed over to Chen Kanyi and asked as if unintentionally: "Since this position is vacant, I wonder who the Marquis thinks can take over the position of Fujian Governor?"
Qiu Fu's implication is, I can give this position to you, but do you have a suitable candidate on hand?
He knew Chen Kan very well. He knew that Chen Kan didn't have a deep foundation in the military. The only thing he could use was the two thousand households supported by Gu Cheng in the southwest.
As for Chen Kan's subordinates in Beijing, in his opinion, except for one Fang Xu who was fairly proficient in military affairs, the rest were not worth mentioning.
He was sure that Chen Kan couldn't find the right person.
But since Chen Kan has taken a fancy to this position, he will naturally not be troubled by Qiu Fu on such a trivial matter.
Hehe smiled and replied: "Your Majesty still needs to make a decision on this matter. I have said what role it will play, but in terms of suitable candidates, I think Song Qing, the commander of the Capital Guanhaiwei, is very good."
Hearing Chen Kan mention the name Song Qing, Qiu Fu suddenly opened his eyes wide, and a trace of surprise appeared on his face involuntarily.
He couldn't help but be frightened. He always thought that Chen Kan didn't have a strong foundation in the army.
But he didn't expect that Chen Kan's hand had already reached into the Ming Navy.
Qiu Fu was silent for a moment, but said without giving up: "As far as I know, Song Qingnai was promoted from Qianhu to commander two years ago, and he is no more than 30 years old. If he goes to Fujian, I'm afraid he won't be able to convince the public. ah."
Chen Kan replied with a smile: "As the saying goes, one's ambition lies in one's age. When I was weak, didn't I lead an army to go across the grassland?"
Listening to Chen Kan's words that he was determined to win, Qiu Fu couldn't help but feel a bit of pain.
He really couldn't bear to part with this position.
When Chen Kan saw that Qiu Fu was silent, he couldn't help but asked softly: "With the death of Duke Cheng Guo, there will be no one in charge of the Central Military Governor's Mansion. Don't you plan to take charge of the overall situation?"
When Qiu Fu heard this, he suddenly raised his head, looked at Chen Kan and chuckled: "Is the Marquis afraid that I will not die?"
"What are you talking about, my lord? My lord is so powerful now that I think it will be no problem to fight for the Ming Dynasty for several more decades."
Chen Kan flattered her without any trace and said no more.
Dividing up blank interests is actually a process of exchanging interests to get what everyone needs.
Qiu Fu has a lot of disciples and old subordinates waiting for arrangements, and the same goes for Chen Kan.
But their demands were different. Chen Kan's demands were overseas, so he focused on Fujian, a place with many good ports.
As for the command of the Shenji Battalion, it was dispensable to him.
But Qiu Fu's foundation is in Nanjing. As long as he can give up Fujian, he doesn't mind giving up all the remaining fat to Qiu Fu.
In the final analysis, for the power void left by Zhu Neng's death, the only people who are truly qualified to compete are Zhang Xin, Zhang Fu, Qiu Fu, Chen Kan and other people.
As for the others, just enjoy themselves by picking up some leftovers.
The reason why Chen Kan and Qiu Fu were so anxious to divide their interests was to prepare for an alliance.
There are always people who can eat a piece of meat, and there are always people who cannot.
Zhang Xin and Zhang Fuzhili were in Nanjing. They were natural allies, as were Chen Kan and Qiu Fu.
Only when the dirt is well divided can it be easy to fight. Whether you fight to get it or not is another matter.
When Chen Kan spoke a word, a strong look of confusion appeared in Qiu Fu's eyes.
Fujian is a piece of fat, especially now that maritime trade is booming.
But the power of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion is equally tempting.
If you have to choose one or the other, it's really hard to decide.
But now he doesn't have much time to worry about it. As I said before, he must be quick. If it's too late, the meat will be taken away by others.
So after a moment of confusion, the confusion in Qiu Fu's eyes gradually faded away.
Then he stretched out his hand towards Chen Kan and said in a deep voice: "Master Hou is indeed more thoughtful than an old man like me."
"No, no, the Marquis is always strong, and his thoughtfulness cannot be matched by this boy."
Chen Kan responded and reached out to give Qiu Fu a high-five.
This palm represents the completion of the division of the spoils between the two, and also represents the beginning of their cooperation.
Chen Kan needs to help Qiu Fu win the position of governor-general vacated by Zhu Neng, while Qiu Fu needs to help Chen Kan win the position of governor of Fujian, plus the position of president of the Naval Academy.
Some things cannot be recorded on paper, but both of them are smart people, and they will naturally know what to do next.
Again, no one can have too much power.
Even if Chen Kan's destiny for himself is to go to sea, even if Qiu Fu's ultimate end is to be a highly accomplished master and go into exile overseas together with Chen Kan.
But when the two of them were still in the land of Ming Dynasty, power was indispensable.
Only with power in their hands can they arrange an escape route for those who follow them.
In this way, even if they leave in the future, there will not be a situation where the people will die and the government will cease. Ming Dynasty will still continue to move forward according to the route they have drawn.
The agreement was made, and the two looked at each other and smiled.
Qiu Fu took the lead and said, "The death of Duke Cheng Guo is regrettable, but the Ming Dynasty is still the Ming Dynasty. Today is not a day off. I have exceeded the rules by leaving the academy rashly, so I will say goodbye."
Chen Kan returned the greeting and said: "Since the Lord is busy with official duties, it is not easy for me to keep you here, so I will see you off."
"Thank you!"
After saying polite words, Chen Kan sent Qiu Fu outside the door and watched Qiu Fu's bike go away.
Turning over and returning home, he told Yuncheng: "Ask Zhang Dong to come to the study to meet me."
Yuncheng took the order and left. Chen Kan returned to the study and began to write furiously.
Not long after, a concise and concise letter was sealed by Chen Kan into an envelope without any signature.
The study door was pushed open, Zhang Dong raised his hands and saluted: "Master Marquis, are you looking for me?"
Chen Kan nodded, handed the letter in his hand to Zhang Dong, and said calmly: "Go to Nanjing in person, and be sure to deliver the letter to Mr. Xu Yuanxu, the commander of the Five Cities Military and Horse Division, quickly!"
Hearing Chen Kan's stern tone, Zhang Dong's face suddenly became solemn. He took the envelope respectfully and replied: "Don't worry, Mr. Marquis, my subordinate will take care of it now."
"Go!"
Chen Kan gave up gently and said no more.
As the saying goes, it takes a thousand days to raise an army but it takes only a moment to use it. Now that Zhu Neng is dead, it's time for Chen Kan's old subordinates to take action.
