Chapter 378 Four Seas Fleet
Luoyang, Chongde Hall.

All the leaders of the navy gathered in the capital for the first time. There was no doubt that only Jinmao had such appeal.

Since the decision has been made to vigorously develop Jiaozhou, the Southeast Peninsula and the islands to the southeast cannot be missed.

These are all treasure lands. Not to mention the minerals, the income from growing crops alone is an unimaginable amount of money.

The lack of growing soil for many economic plants in the country does not mean that there is a shortage of such plants elsewhere.

Therefore, the expansion of the navy must be put on the agenda again.

With the unification of the country, the 300,000 full-time troops seemed bloated, especially in the southeast and northeast regions, where there was no need for so many combat soldiers.

As long as the Luoyang standing army has sufficient deterrent power, the southeast and northeast regions only need to retain the necessary number of people to guard the border, and the rest of the manpower can be completely freed up.

For example, in the Northeast, it is enough to retain Zhao Yun's 30,000 cavalrymen and 10,000 archers.

For example, the southeast region is Jinmao’s private territory, and the rule is extremely stable. There is no need for military suppression. It is enough to leave some security forces.

In case of unrest, it wouldn't take long to send a navy from Luoyang, or sending troops from Jiaozhou would be similar.

Therefore, this time not only the top leaders of various naval forces were summoned, but also the senior generals from the Southeast and Northeast Military Regions were all present.

Yu Fan, Gong Lei, Sun Ce, Ma Chao, Pang De and so on.

Jin Mao stepped into the hall and specially summoned Sun Ce to ask him about his attitude towards Sun Quan's plan to follow the second prince Jin Bing to develop the south.

He had already hinted to Sun Ce very clearly that this trip was a tough job and thankless, and he hoped that he could persuade Sun Quan not to do anything stupid.

Unexpectedly, after Sun Ce thanked him, he shook his head and refused.

Jin Mao shook his head. His relationship with Sun Jian as a master ended here. If they didn't want to listen, then let them be.

As they walked into the hall, the noisy interior suddenly became quiet, and everyone bowed to the superior.

"I will pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"No gift."

After being emperor for two years, Jin Mao still didn't like wearing the Twelve Crowns on his head because it was too heavy.

"I have called you all here today for two things."

Jin Mao went straight to the point and said, "First, expand the navy. Second, merge the Southeast and Northeast Military Regions into the Southern Military Region. The primary goal in the future is to develop Jiaozhou."

As soon as these words came out, the whole hall was shocked.

There are more than 100,000 professional soldiers here. Why does Jiaozhou need such a powerful military force to suppress its development?
You have to know that the scale of the fight against Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao was just this small, so there was no such a strong enemy in Jiaozhou.

"Where are Yu Zhongxiang and Gong Shikai?"

Jin Mao did not give the crowd a chance to ask questions, and directly ordered the top leaders of the two military regions: "From now on, Yu Zhongxiang will be the commander-in-chief of the Southern Military Region, and Gong Shikai will be the deputy commander-in-chief, and they will support each other."

"Yes!" Yu Fan and Gong Lei responded without hesitation.

But some other senior generals couldn't help it. If the two military regions were merged into one, there would be half the number of senior officials. They had worked so hard to climb up, now they had to start all over again?
"His Majesty."

Ma Chao was the first to step out and asked, "The two commanders have already decided where to go. May I ask if the generals and I have any plans?"

Jin Mao's eyes were like torches. He scanned the generals present, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said, "Don't worry, my dear ministers. Although Jiaozhou is small, it has an important strategic position. It is the gateway for our dynasty to go south, and it is also the key point to resist foreign aggression. This adjustment is not to weaken it, but to strengthen it. I have considered it comprehensively."

"Ma Mengqi, you are extremely brave. I would like to entrust you with an important task. Lead an elite cavalry unit, named 'Divine Power Cavalry', as a rapid reaction force. You will patrol between Jiaozhou and the surrounding areas. You can deter villains and also serve as a surprise force to deal a fatal blow to the enemy at a critical moment."

Ma Chao happily agreed, and he finally made it through.

However, he was only happy for two seconds, and then heard Jin Mao say: "In addition, I intend to form two more fleets, the South Sea Fleet and the North Sea Fleet. I need two commanders and two deputy commanders. Who is willing to recommend himself?"

Suddenly, Ma Chao felt like he had lost the big picture and gained the small details. How could the commander of a guerrilla force be compared with the commander of a fleet? But it was too late to regret.

Sun Ce volunteered, his eyes sparkling with an infinite yearning for the ocean and a desire to conquer it. "Your Majesty, I, Sun Ce, am willing to lead the South China Sea Fleet. I grew up in Jiangdong and have studied naval warfare. I am also familiar with the terrain of the sea. I will definitely be able to lead the fleet, set sail, protect our territory, and enhance our national prestige!"

Jin Mao's eyes showed approval when he heard this, and he nodded and said, "Sun Bofu is brave and good at fighting, and he also has talent in naval warfare. I am very pleased to hand over the South China Sea Fleet to you. But the position of deputy commander still needs a good person to assist. I wonder if General Sun has any recommendations?"

Sun Celue hesitated for a moment, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please make the decision."

After hearing this, Jin Mao nodded slightly, pondered in his heart, looked at the people in the hall, pointed at Wu Ning and said: "Ning Ye, you will be Sun Ce's deputy general."

"Here."

"The deputy commander of the East China Sea Fleet will be Zhu Junli." Jin Mao asked, "Who is willing to be the commander-in-chief?" The generals looked at each other, and no one dared to speak. Those who had enough experience did not know how to fight on the naval battlefield, let alone those who did not have enough experience.

At this time, Huang Gai stepped out and said, "I, an old minister, am willing to lead the East China Sea Fleet."

Jin Mao shook his head and laughed, "Don't worry, you and Youping have your own plans, just stand aside for now."

"Here."

"Where is Jiang Gongyi?"

"I'm here!" Jiang Qin stepped out excitedly. He never expected that such huge wealth would fall upon him.

"From now on, the navy will be called the navy, and the Yizhou navy will lose its role. You don't need to belittle yourself. It is enough for you to be the leader of an army."

Jin Mao's eyes swept over the generals and continued, "Jiang Gongyi, I know that although you come from the Yizhou Navy, you are brave and good at adapting. This reorganization of the navy is the time for you to show your skills. I order you to be the pioneer of the navy, lead the vanguard fleet, open the way for the army, explore the enemy's situation, and make sure you know yourself and the enemy, so that you can fight a hundred battles without danger."

Jiang Qin was filled with indescribable excitement and sense of responsibility when he heard this. He knelt on one knee and said in a sonorous and powerful voice: "I obey your orders! I will live up to your high expectations and forge the vanguard fleet into a sharp sword, pointing it directly at the enemy camp and paving the way for our army to victory!"

"Good!" Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction, and turned his gaze to Zhou Tai beside him. "The original navy is divided into two parts. Youping's unit is the North Sea Fleet, and Gongfu's unit is the West Sea Fleet. They need two commanders respectively."

"However, considering that Youping and Gongfu's subordinates are indispensable, I have specially appointed Huang Gai and Huang Gongfu as the Navy Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the West Sea Fleet to lead the Four Seas Fleet on my behalf!"

"Zhou Tai and Zhou Youping are the deputy governors of the navy and command the North Sea Fleet, assisting Gong Fu in managing the Four Seas Fleet!"

"Yes!" Huang Gai and Zhou Tai excitedly accepted the order almost at the same time. They did not expect that after the navy became stronger, the two of them would still be able to sit firmly in the top two positions.

Seeing the two men's excited expressions, Jin Mao smiled with satisfaction and continued, "Of course, the strength of the navy does not only rely on the bravery of the generals, but also on advanced warships and tactics. I have ordered to speed up the construction of shipyards and improve shipbuilding technology, in order to create new warships that combine speed, defense, and firepower. At the same time, a naval academy will be established to recruit people with lofty ideals from all over the world and cultivate a group of elite talents who are proficient in navigation, artillery, strategy and tactics, laying a solid foundation for the long-term development of the navy."

"In addition, I have decided to set up an intelligence department to collect information about the enemy at sea and establish a comprehensive coastal defense early warning system. Whether it is patrolling along the coast or exploring the distant seas, we must be well aware of the situation and make all-out plans. Youping and Gongfu, you two must not only be proficient in martial arts, but also learn to use wisdom to build the navy into an indispensable shield and sword for our dynasty."

Huang Gai's eyes sparkled when he heard this. He knew that this was not only an honor, but also a responsibility. "Your Majesty is wise. I will do my best to live up to your trust. The navy will work together to create brilliance!"

Zhou Tai also cupped his hands, and said firmly: "Youping is willing to follow you, Gongfu, to jointly seek the development of the navy, to expand the territory for our dynasty, and to provide escort!"

Jin Mao looked at the two loyal generals, and a feeling of pride surged in his heart. "Great! With loyal and capable generals like you, I have no reason to worry about not accomplishing my great cause! When the world is prosperous, I will celebrate with you!"

After saying this, everyone was full of energy, as if they had already seen the blue map drawn by their own hands, slowly unfolding before their eyes, full of hope and possibilities.

After Jin Mao finished drawing the pie, he began to assign tasks: "The original North Sea Fleet's tasks will be handed over to the East Sea Fleet!"

"The West Sea Fleet is still responsible for the nation's river transport, public security, and bandit suppression. Gong Fu will have to worry about it."

Upon hearing this, Huang Gai Gongfu immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, rest assured that the West Sea Fleet will go all out to ensure the peace of the rivers and the smooth flow of grain transport, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment, and lay a solid logistical foundation for your majesty's great cause!"

Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction and turned his gaze to another general: "As for the South China Sea Fleet, I want it to develop overseas trade, establish diplomacy, explore unknown places, and open up new resources and markets for our dynasty. This important task can only be accomplished by those who are brave and good at fighting and have wisdom. Bofu, can you be qualified?"

Sun Ce, courtesy name Bofu, heard this and his eyes flashed with determination and pride. He strode forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands above his head, and said in a sonorous and powerful voice: "Your Majesty is wise. Although I am not talented, I am willing to serve you with my humble body. The South China Sea Fleet is in my hands and will set sail. It will not only protect our sea borders, but also open up the Maritime Silk Road, promote exchanges between our dynasty and all nations, and bring endless prosperity and glory to our Han Empire. I swear to be loyal and wise and live up to your majesty's high expectations!"

Jin Mao smiled approvingly upon hearing this. He personally helped Sun Ce up, patted his shoulder, and said earnestly: "Bofu, you have been brave and good at fighting since childhood, and you have foresight. I know you will live up to my trust. The South China Sea is vast and boundless. It is both a challenge and an opportunity. I hope you can seize the opportunity and let the flag of our Han Dynasty fly in the more distant seas, so that the world will know the prestige of our dynasty."

Then, Jin Mao's eyes swept over the generals present, his tone full of expectation and trust: "My dear ministers, our dynasty has a vast sea territory and a heavy responsibility. Whether it is the stable shipping of the West Sea Fleet or the development of trade of the South Sea Fleet, they are all major issues related to the rise and fall of the country. I hope you will work together to build our Great Wall on the sea, so that everyone in the four seas can enjoy peace!"

All the generals responded one after another, swearing solemnly, and the whole hall was filled with passionate voices, as if even the air was excited. Looking at this scene, Jin Mao's heart was filled with infinite vision and confidence for the future. He knew that under his leadership, the Han Empire would usher in an unprecedented prosperity.

"The following are the arrangements of the military district."

"The total strength of the Southern Military Region is 80,000, of which 30,000 are guarding the rear, and 50,000 are developing the area west of Rinan."

Jin Mao looked at Yu Fan and Gong Lei and said, "I will send an order to Zhou Yu of the Southwest Military Region to cooperate with you in advancing westward."

Upon hearing this, Yu Fan and Gong Lei's eyes flashed with determination. They walked out of the queue side by side and bowed to receive the order: "We will live up to your majesty's trust and swear to incorporate the land west of Rinnan into the territory of our Han Dynasty, so that the border will be peaceful and the people will live and work in peace."

Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction and continued to deploy: "As the foundation of the empire, the Central Imperial Guards must always remain vigilant, able to deter all directions and respond quickly to all places at critical moments. I will personally supervise the training of the Imperial Guards to ensure that every soldier can become the empire's strongest shield."

After he finished speaking, Jin Mao looked around, his eyes as sharp as a torch, as if he could see through people's hearts: "In addition, I also want to set up a Coastal Defense Department, which is specifically responsible for coastal defense and maritime trade security. General Gan Ning will be the first director. General Gan, you need to select capable people, form a maritime fleet, protect our coastal people, and at the same time open up new trade routes to strengthen our national strength."

Gan Ning was excited when he heard the order and took a step forward: "Your Majesty, I obey your command! I will live up to your majesty's high expectations and let the flag of the Han Dynasty fly above the vast blue waves, protect the peace of our sea borders, and expand our trade routes!"

The morale in the hall was high, and everyone's heart was burning with love and loyalty to the country. Jin Mao knew that this meeting was not only a redeployment of military forces, but also a solemn oath for the future destiny of the Han Empire. He firmly believed that under his leadership and the joint efforts of all soldiers, the Han Empire would usher in an unprecedented glorious era, and all people in the world would submit to the majesty of the Han Empire and share a peaceful and prosperous era.

Jin Mao's eyes swept across the faces of every general in the hall. It was not just the transmission of orders, but also the transmission of trust and expectations. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "You are all the pillars of our Han Dynasty. Today's oath is not only about the expansion of territory, but also about the gathering of people's hearts and the promotion of civilization. We want the world to witness that the strength of the Han Dynasty lies not only in the galloping of cavalry, but also in the guidance of wisdom, the tolerance of culture, and our unremitting pursuit of peace."

"Everyone present here, no matter where you are or what position you hold, you must remember that the country's prosperity is inseparable from the efforts and dedication of everyone. We must continue to deepen domestic reforms, build water conservancy projects, develop farming, improve people's livelihood, and let the people live and work in peace and contentment. Only then can we gather a more indestructible force, jointly resist foreign aggression, and create a prosperous era."

"In addition, I would like to emphasize that education is the foundation of the country and talents are the hope of the future. We must increase investment in education, open up a wide range of talents, and make all talents in the world work for the Han Dynasty. Together, we will promote the progress of science and technology and culture, and let the light of Han civilization shine everywhere."

(End of this chapter)