First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 618 Navy Commander Shi Liu Rengui

...

After an hour of fierce controversy, the chiefs from all over the country tried their best to reminisce about the past and try to win a place in the association. However, some people just watched with leisure, such as Ning Chun, Chen Longshu and others, just in the front hall. Accompanying Gao Chong's conversation, there is no need to participate at all. The current disputes among those small wealthy families will ultimately just be a process.

When he saw the final list, Gao Chong was not surprised. Elections have always been just a gimmick, and Lingnan has always been ranked based on the strength of the powerful chiefs.

There is no doubt that the title of honorary president falls on Gao Chong, not only because Gao Chong is the Lingnan economic envoy, but also serves as the city's shipping envoy.

As for the president, Feng An of Gaozhou was recommended by the public. In terms of power and status in Lingnan, Feng An, the general manager who once occupied more than [-] states in Lingnan and was now the governor of Gaozhou, was definitely the first choice.

Among the three chiefs who were powerful in Lingnan at that time, Gaozhou Feng An, Longzhou Chen Fozhi, and Qinzhou Ning Changzhen, only Feng An is still alive today.

The other two families, the Qinzhou Ning family and the Longzhou Chen family, have been weakened one after another after the rebellion of Ning Changzhen and Chen Fozhi. Only Feng Ang still dominates Lingnan. Feng Ang is a well-deserved candidate for the president.

Secondly, the two vice-presidents are served by Ning Chun, the governor of Qinzhou, and Chen Longshu, the governor of Longzhou. Although the Ning family and the Chen family are weak, after all, a lean camel is bigger than a horse, not to mention that Ning Chun and Chen Longshu are deeply experienced in economics and strategy. trust.

The person in charge is Chaozhou Yang Shilue. As a giant in the eastern part of Lingnan, Yang Shilue is not only the commander-in-chief of the Yang family, but also the governor-general of the capital.

As expected, the remaining four directors, the Luozhou Tan family, the Leizhou Chen family, the Guangzhou Wang family and the Baizhou Pang family, each occupy a seat.

As for the Liao people in the mountains, such as Luo Dou Liao, Jin Don Liao, etc., they are destined to be onlookers. Firstly, they have a low status and do not have any official status. Secondly, they do not have sea ships. They are included in the association because of their lack of power. It is small and quite powerful. In addition, the mountains are also rich in some rare furs and other goods.

Seeing Gao Chong's signal, Tian Yangming moistened his voice, took the stage again, and continued: "After everyone's fierce election, the first Maritime Merchants Association election has officially ended. Later, I will invite the above eight people to accompany me to the Municipal Shipping Department Yamen. Filing.

In addition, the 58 maritime merchants present today will go to the Municipal Shipping Division Yamen within three days after the meeting to pay three-year membership fees, register and issue membership cards.

The membership card is stamped with the seal of the Lingnan Maritime Merchant Association under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Shipping Department. In the future, you can use the membership card to handle business contracts at Kaiyue Customs. For detailed matters, you can consult the Municipal Shipping Department."

Everyone agreed one after another. In short, some of the people present today came from thousands of miles away, completely hindered by the power of the Jinglue Mansion and did not dare to make any mistakes.

After the conference, Gao Chong personally received representatives from the Feng, Ning, Chen, Yang, Tan, Pang, Wang, and Chen families.

Explain to them in detail the association’s charter and the tasks they will accomplish.

In fact, people from the eight companies already know some of the taxes of Shibo Division. Although they can't see the actual pros and cons, they don't have the guts to refuse.

During the dinner, Ning Chun took the initiative to ask: "Jing Lue, the big ships are now ready. I wonder when the South China Sea Navy will be established?"

Everyone is also most concerned about this issue, which is related to their vital interests.

If the South China Sea Navy is really as powerful as the military commander said and can protect maritime merchants, then the membership dues and taxes paid will be worth it. At the same time, I will have a good idea. If there is a powerful navy stationed in Lingnan, They even dare not feel dissatisfied.

Gao Chong heard this, then looked at everyone and smiled, "Ruhe has asked the key. I believe this issue is also of concern to you. Now I will introduce a good talent to you."

"Come on, Zhengze, give everyone here a reassurance," Gao Chong stretched out his hand to one side and said with a smile.

Everyone looked around and saw a young man with thick eyebrows, big eyes and a square face sitting on the lower side.

Hearing Gao Chong's words, the young man nodded, stood up and cupped his hands and said: "Liu Rengui, whose courtesy name is Zhengze, comes from the Liu family of Wei in Bianzhou. Recommended by the economic envoy, he is currently the commander of the Nanyang Navy. I have met all of you."

After hearing this, everyone hurriedly stood up and returned the greeting.

"After the sage's decision, a permanent naval force was established in Lingnan, officially named Nanyang Navy, under the direct jurisdiction of Lingnan Economic Strategy Office, with an establishment of 8000 people, one commander, ranked fourth, and two generals, ranked From the fourth rank, he has a long history and is ranked in the seventh rank."

Gao Chong glanced at everyone and continued: "Liu Zhengze is very knowledgeable and talented, and I have heard of his name for a long time. He has established the Nanyang Navy and specially reported to the saint to transfer him to Lingnan. From now on, Liu Zhengze will be fully responsible for the specific matters of the Navy. ".

Everyone complied.

Liu Rengui glanced at Gao Chong gratefully, then stood up and saluted.

"It's okay to tell you bluntly, 1000 Jianghuai navy troops are on their way and will arrive soon."

Gao Chong looked at the people from these eight families with a meaningful smile on his face, "The Navy still has a vacancy of 7000 people. They will be recruited in Lingnan. After passing the Navy Yamen assessment, they can become registered Navy soldiers. If you are interested, , you can inform the children of each family when you return."

When the people from the eight families heard this, their eyes lit up and they thanked them immediately.

"I would like to ask the manager, can you tell me the assessment standards?" Tan Heng rolled his eyes and bowed his hands.

"Tan Dalang, I just explained that Liu Zhengze has been fully responsible for naval affairs." Gao Chong looked at Tan Heng and shook his head with a smile.

Everyone suddenly understood and began to care about Liu Rengui in their hearts. They originally thought that he was just a seventh-grade long history, but now the general manager has made it very clear. It seems that he will have a good relationship with Liu Rengui in the future.

Hearing this, Liu Rengui felt warm in his heart.

Liu Rengui was born in the first year of Renshou in the former Sui Dynasty, and was only one year younger than Gao Chong.

He comes from the Liu family of the Wei family, and his ancestor is Liu Jin, Emperor Zhang of the Han Dynasty. His great-grandfather Liu Nengguan worshiped the champion general of the Northern Qi Dynasty, and his grandfather Liu Chiguan worshiped the King of Huaiyang in the Northern Zhou Dynasty and joined the army. He can be regarded as an official for generations, but his father Liu Ziwei remained in office all his life, so it was passed down to him In this generation, the family situation has already declined.

Liu Rengui's family was poor since he was a child, and there was chaos in the late Sui Dynasty. Liu Rengui farmed and studied in his hometown of Bianzhou. When Liu Rengui became an adult, he was already well-known in Bianzhou and famous for his profound knowledge.

In the fourth year of Wude, Wang Shichong was defeated and Henan and other places were incorporated into the Tang Dynasty. Guan Guogong Ren Gui served as the pacification ambassador of Henan Province to carry out post-war pacification matters.

Ren Gui's wife, the Liu family, was from the Liu family of the Wei family in Bianzhou. Now that her husband was working in Henan, the Liu family recommended the children of the clan to join Ren Gui. Among them, Liu Rengui was very knowledgeable and naturally was among them. After Ren Gui's inspection , the others were eliminated, except Liu Rengui, who was accepted as a staff member.

Later, when Ren Gui was drafting the memorial, he accidentally handed it to Liu Rengui to read. Liu Rengui immediately pointed out several problems in the memorial and gave him better suggestions. Ren Gui admired his talent very much and appointed him to join the army in Xizhou. However, Ren Gui was appointed in the form of a red certificate in the name of appeasing the ambassador, which was a temporary appointment and was not selected by the Ministry of Personnel.

However, this was a great blessing for the poor Liu Rengui. After all, he could be regarded as an official and did not need to continue farming. He served in Xizhou for three years, and all evaluations were top-notch. He was promoted to the county captain of Chencang County, ranking from the ninth rank. finally got a formal official status.

At this time, Liu Rengui had not yet entered Li Shimin's field of vision. After all, he was only a ninth-grade county captain and was not even qualified to pay homage to the imperial court.According to the historical trajectory, Liu Rengui, who has no background, will stay in the position of Chencang County Captain for seven or eight years.

Until one year, Lu Ning, the commander of the Chencang Military Mansion, was indulgent and lawless in the county. Liu Rengui failed to warn him many times. Instead, he summoned Lu Ning to humiliate him. Liu Rengui was so angry that he was taken to the county government and directly used the torture weapon. He was beaten to death.

The Commander-in-Chief of Chencang Military Mansion was ranked from the fourth rank. Of course, at that time, the Commander-in-Chief had already been renamed Lieutenant Zhechong, and Liu Rengui, the county lieutenant, was only the ninth rank and did not have the power to kill the fourth-rank military attache. The impact of this incident It was so huge that the prefectures and counties did not dare to conceal it and immediately reported it to the court.

Li Shimin was furious when he heard the news, "How dare a small county captain kill my captain Zhechong?"

Liu Rengui was summoned immediately to prepare for severe punishment. Liu Rengui was not afraid of Li Shimin's questioning and said sternly: "Lu Ning is coquettish, perverts the law, and insults me. I will kill him for this."

Li Shimin was greatly surprised. He believed that Liu Rengui was resolute and upright, so instead of punishing him, he promoted him to the position of Prime Minister of Xianyang County.

But now, Liu Rengui's career has completely changed.

Gao Chong has always been interested in looking for a future naval commander, but after much deliberation, he could never find the best candidate.

Until Gao Chong came to Baizhou and came into contact with Liu Yanchang, the commander of Shuiming Military Mansion in Baizhou, and heard him mention the Seventh House of the Liu family, a name suddenly appeared in Gao Chong's mind, Liu Rengui of the Liu family of the Wei family, who was praised by later generations as the ancient Liu Rengui, the No. 1 anti-Japanese leader.

During the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty destroyed Baekje, and Liu Rengui, the governor of Xiongjin, guarded Baekje's hometown. The remaining forces of Baekje colluded with the Japanese in an attempt to restore the country.

Liu Rengui strategized and annihilated more than [-] invading Japanese naval forces at the mouth of the Baijiang River outside Xiongjin City. This battle directly defeated the Japanese navy.

This guy is a handsome guy in water fighting.

Gao Chong thought of this and ordered the Wei Feng Guards to investigate, and then easily found out that Liu Rengui had been promoted to Chencang County Lieutenant when Li Shimin had just ascended to the throne last year.

Gao Chong wrote directly to Li Shimin. In the report, Gao Chong made it clear one by one.

I heard from the Liu family of Nanyang, namely Liu Yanchang, the commander of the Shuiming Army, and Shi Liujie, the governor of Nankang Prefecture. The Liu family of Yuchi had a capable man named Liu Rengui, who was very knowledgeable and asked the sage to evaluate him. If you are qualified, please transfer to Lingnan to help me. I am in urgent need of talents here!
After Li Shimin received the report, he was not surprised. After all, Gao Chong was known for his ability to recognize people. He immediately summoned Liu Rengui. After an inspection, he suddenly discovered that this was really a great talent.

He immediately promoted him to the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the Nanyang Navy, ranking him seventh grade, and promoted him several levels in a row, and ordered Liu Rengui to rush to Guangzhou immediately.

At only 26 years old, without any military exploits, he has been ranked in the seventh rank for a long time. This starting point is already quite good.

Although Gao Chong wanted to hand over the navy directly to Liu Rengui and appoint him as the commander of the army, Liu Rengui was only a ninth-rank county captain with no qualifications and no military exploits. It would be difficult to convince the public if he was suddenly promoted to a fourth-rank official. And it may also be counterproductive.

Gao Chong transferred Liu Rengui to the Nanyang Navy with the purpose of giving him the best platform to experience, just like Gao Kan and the other four.

Liu Rengui was supposed to have wasted ten years as a captain in Chencang County. He came into Li Shimin's sight because of the battle to kill the captain. Now that he came to Lingnan early to train, his achievements must be higher than on his original track.

After all, the 26-[-]-year-old Liu Rengui has basically been established in both knowledge and conduct. Now he just lacks a platform for experience. The current Nanyang Navy is undoubtedly the most suitable place for Liu Rengui.

After Liu Rengui arrived in Guangzhou, Gao Chong also talked with him in detail many times. As expected, although Liu Rengui was knowledgeable, he was more interested in water warfare. In addition, Liu Rengui had a resolute and upright personality and never acted in a cowardly manner. He was simply the man who organized the navy. The perfect choice.

In the next few days, Gao Chong led 58 maritime merchants to visit Kaiyue City. After several days of getting to know each other, the merchants' resistance to the city's shipping department had been reduced a lot.

Many people are even vaguely looking forward to it, because they have obtained the survey cooperation issued by the Municipal Shipping Department in their respective fields. Officially, they will be under the protection of the government.

When he arrived outside Kaiyue City and saw the disgraced Feng You, Feng Zhidai was a little moved and said, "Big brother."

"Liu Lang," Feng You paused and said with a grin, "I haven't seen you for a few years. How are you, uncle?"

Feng You is Feng Hun's eldest son, ranking first in the Feng family, followed by Feng Hun's second son Feng Fuchun, third son Feng Ningbang, third son Feng Wanfu, Feng Xuan's eldest son Feng Wanfu, and Feng Xuan's second son Feng Shigui. fifth.

As Feng Ang's eldest son, Feng Zhidai ranked sixth, and was also the future chief of the Feng family in Gaozhou.

"Everything is fine, father." Feng Zhidai nodded, then looked up and down, and was very emotional, "My eldest brother hasn't been back for many years, and he is still so thin."

"Not as strong as your brothers," Feng You waved his hand and said with a smile.

"Okay, you two brothers will slowly reminisce about old times later." Behind him, Gao Chong led everyone over and said with a smile, "Ziyou, your progress is very good. When the thing is done, you should be the first to take credit."

"Don't dare, don't dare. Yang Changshi dispatched servants and materials and worked hard for many days. The subordinates dare not take credit," Feng You said humbly.

According to Feng You's humble attitude towards Gao Chong and Yang Shilue, Feng Zhidai's eyes flashed with an inexplicable look, and he just praised him, "It's really remarkable that such a majestic Guancheng has risen from the ground."

Yang Shilue behind him had a faint smile on his face, "I'm just writing and speaking. It's Zi You who is really doing the hard work."

"Okay, don't give in. It's a great achievement to complete it as scheduled." Gao Chong set the tone with one sentence, then turned back to look at the group of maritime merchants, "What do you think?"

"Okay, with such a majestic customs, a certain family can already see the prosperity of Guangzhou in the future."

"With such an important port located at the seaport, and with the wise leadership of the strategic envoy, the prosperity of Guangzhou's maritime trade will surely create history."

"It's so great. There has never been such a feat since ancient times."

"Exactly, I think it is the number one in opening the sea according to the strategic plan."

Hearing everyone's praise, Gao Chong just shook his head and smiled, "The prosperity of maritime trade depends on everyone's cooperation. In a word, only when everyone is good is good, Guangzhou will be good. Only Lingnan will be good.”

Everyone agreed again.

Gathered here today, even Ning Chun and others did not come as officials, but as maritime merchants, so they only put interests first. These words of compliment and praise have been expressed since they saw Gao Chong. It is endless.

(End of this chapter)