In the third year of the Xinhan Dynasty (211), it was Panyu County, Hepu County, Jiaozhou.

He Qi, the governor of Jiaozhou, Zhou Tai, the deputy governor of the navy, Sun Ce, the commander of the South China Sea Fleet, and more than a dozen senior generals and officials gathered together.

Today's agenda is to decide how to conquer the islands near the South China Sea and the numerous territories west of the two counties of Jiuzhen and Rinan (Vietnam).

He Qi, as the host, sat on the left and Zhou Tai on the right. Neither of them spoke on their own initiative.

Although He Qi had served as the governor of Jiaozhou for many years, the population of the area under his jurisdiction was only over 1.5 million, which was less than that of a large county. In addition, Jiaozhou was backward and inferior to the Central Plains in all aspects, so he actually had very little say.

It was only because of his seniority and years of hard work that everyone reluctantly let He Qigao take the left seat.

He Qi knew this very well, but he was not prepared to remain silent.

This large-scale development of the south is not only an opportunity for those present, but also an opportunity for him to He Gongmiao.

As the Northwest and Northeast were gradually developed, the reputation of Crouching Dragon and Phoenix Chick truly spread throughout the country.

Nowadays, the officials that the people talk about the most, apart from the founding ministers, are Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong.

With the dual development of agriculture and industry, the national population has recovered to 50 million. In another ten or twenty years, the population will definitely explode and will most likely exceed 100 million.

By then, the labor problem will be greatly alleviated. The fertile land in the south will have no shortage of land to cultivate, and correspondingly, the grain produced will be able to feed more people.

The cycle goes on and on, endlessly.

It will no longer be a legend that the people of the Han Dynasty are spread all over the world, and Jinmao’s ultimate dream, that the whole world speaks the elegant language, does not seem to be impossible to achieve.

As long as there are traces of Han people all over the world, or as long as Han people occupy the whole world, wouldn’t the dream come true?

Of course, these are all ideal things and cannot be realized at the moment.

However, all the generals and ministers understand the wish of His Majesty, and are willing to fight for it all their lives.

Sun Ce was the first to step forward and began to explain his own views by pointing to the map of Jiaozhou.

"To the west of Rinan County and Jiuzhen County is a mountain range that has never been crossed before the Qin Dynasty, which means that it is not humanly possible to conquer it."

He pointed to the sea area, which extended from the South China Sea to the west, and said, "This sea area has not been explored. I intend for the South China Sea Fleet to be the vanguard and explore the unknown along the coastline."

The generals nodded in agreement. The only one who stood up to object was Wen Pin, who had just been transferred to the position of deputy commander of the North Sea Fleet.

Although he is called deputy commander-in-chief, Wen Pin’s actual power is no different from that of the commander-in-chief, or even higher.

Because Zhou Tai, the nominal commander of the North Sea Fleet, has heavier responsibilities and needs to take on the command responsibility for the development of southern Xinjiang, he will be the first person responsible for any problems that arise.

"I object!" After years of experience in the north, Wen Pin is proficient in land warfare, naval warfare, and cavalry warfare. Among the four major fleets, only he, Gan Ning, and Sun Ce can be compared with him.

Gan Ning is now in charge of water security, and only Sun Ce can beat him half a step. But this is not a reason for Wen Pin to give up the vanguard.

The three major military achievements in ancient times were to be the first to reach the summit, to seize the flag, and to kill the general.

But for generals, it is the other three items: vanguard, breaking the formation, and defeating the enemy.

"Although the vanguard's contribution is great, I'm afraid the newly built South China Sea Fleet cannot swallow it!"

At the beginning, Wen Pin responded sharply: "Let our North Sea Fleet do it. As a veteran navy, the North Sea Fleet not only explored the land of Fusang, but also found the American land that gave birth to the God Seed according to Your Majesty's instructions. Exploring the way is a piece of cake!"

Hearing this, Sun Ce smiled faintly, his eyes flashing with a sharp edge that could not be ignored. He slowly stood up, looked around, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "General Wen is right. The North Sea Fleet has made outstanding contributions and is indeed the pride of our navy. However, this mission is of great importance. It is not only related to the expansion of our New Han territory, but also an important test for the emerging forces. Although I am young, the South Sea Fleet I lead was formerly the main force. Although it has not fought many naval battles, it is invincible in land battles! It needs a big battle to demonstrate its strength and consolidate its position."

"Furthermore, the responsibility of the vanguard is to be fast and decisive, and it requires the courage and wisdom to be the first to try something new. I am not talented, but I have a strong character and act decisively, which makes me the best candidate for this position. As for whether we can swallow it or not, it depends on the commander's command art, not just the size and qualifications of the fleet. I believe that under my leadership, the South China Sea Fleet will live up to everyone's expectations, expand the territory for our New Han, and make great military achievements."

"As for the North Sea Fleet, your contribution is unmatched, and there are more important tasks waiting for you in the future. This time, you might as well provide the necessary support and guarantee for the South Sea Fleet as a backup to ensure that this operation is foolproof. This will not only demonstrate the spirit of unity and cooperation of our navy, but also allow the two fleets to learn from each other in actual combat and make progress together."

After saying this, Sun Ce looked at Wen Pin with a sharp gaze, which contained both expectation and trust.

Wen Pin heard this and said disdainfully: "General Sun, what you said is wrong. Although the North Sea Fleet has played a solid backing in all previous battles, it has never been afraid of the storms on the front line. Our soldiers are all iron-blooded men, eager to confront the enemy head-on on the vast sea and write loyalty and glory with gunfire. If there is a war in the South China Sea this time, the North Sea Fleet will volunteer to be the vanguard and vow to break through the enemy's formation to prove that our army is strong, not just relying on the name of support."

His tone was firm, and he exuded unquestionable majesty. He continued, "Of course, I also understand the general's deep meaning. Unity and cooperation are the foundation of our army. If you really need my North Sea Fleet as a backup, we will also go all out to ensure that the front line is worry-free. But please don't forget, the heart of the North Sea Fleet is always facing the most intense battlefield, and it is eager to add a strong and colorful stroke to the glory of Xinhan on the most cutting-edge front."

Sun Ce's mouth curled up slightly when he heard this, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes. He knew that Wen Pin had a strong character and was brave and good at fighting, but he admired his overall view even more. So he slowly said:
"General Wen's lofty ambitions are a blessing to our New Han Navy. Your Majesty, how could you not know that you asked for a fight? However, this layout does have a deep meaning. The North Sea Fleet's mission is not only to achieve temporary military exploits, but also to make long-term strategic considerations. You must know that the future maritime disputes will become more and more intense, and Your Majesty needs you to preserve your strength for emergencies. The battle in the South China Sea is a touchstone. Letting the South China Sea Fleet go first is not only a test of its strength, but also an adjustment to the overall layout of our navy. I hope General Wen can understand the greater good and build the glory of the New Han Navy together."

Wen Pin heard this and still didn't change his mind: "No matter what, you are just trying to steal the credit from the North Sea Fleet, aren't you?"

At this time, Zhou Tai smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a bit of depth and tolerance: "General Wen, what you said is wrong. Merits and demerits will be judged by future generations. As generals, we should focus on the overall interests of the country rather than personal honor and disgrace. The strength of the North Sea Fleet is known to the world, but the strong should know how to be patient and accumulate strength. Your Majesty has a far-reaching layout and a long-term plan, which cannot be measured by the gains and losses of a moment or a place."

"Just imagine, if the North Sea Fleet attacks rashly, victory would be gratifying, but if there is a slight mistake, the losses will be heavy. By then, where will the backbone of the New Han Navy be? How can the sea defense line be stable? On the other hand, although the South Sea Fleet is not well-known, it is also an elite division. This expedition is a perfect opportunity for it to show its prowess. If it can live up to expectations, it can not only boost morale, but also add a force that cannot be ignored to our army."

"Besides, the battlefield is ever-changing. Today's enemy may be tomorrow's friend. Your Majesty's move is also to show the world the tolerance and wisdom of the New Han Navy, so that all countries know that New Han is not a warlike country, but it is not one that can be bullied. General Wen, as generals, you and I should take the peace of the country and the welfare of the people as our responsibility, rather than being limited to the gains and losses of a city or a pond."

Since his coach said so, Wen Pin couldn't refuse, so he bowed unhappily and said, "Yes." Then he stepped back.

I thought the matter had come to an end, but unexpectedly, someone else showed up to steal the credit.

He Qi originally led five battalions and incorporated them into the Southern Military Region, and all his former generals also came under the command of the Southern Military Region.

The military region commander-in-chief was Yu Fan, the deputy commander-in-chief was Gong Lei, senior generals included Cheng Pu, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, etc., and mid-level generals included Zhang He, Gao Lan, Yu Jin, etc.

In order to accept and integrate the mixed forces of the Southern Military Region, Yu Fan, as the commander-in-chief, had to make a statement and win credit for his subordinates in order to stabilize the morale of the army.

"Governor Zhou, wait a minute."

Yu Fan's voice was steady and powerful, interrupting Governor Zhou who was about to leave. He stood up and glanced at the generals present, finally landing on Zhang He, Gao Lan, Yu Jin and others: "Why use a butcher knife to kill a chicken?"

"Generals, since its establishment, our Southern Military Region has shouldered the heavy responsibility of defending the country. The incorporation of the five battalions led by General He Qi is a real enhancement of our military strength. It is also a good opportunity for all brother units to fight side by side and resist foreign aggression. However, the way to integration lies in friendship rather than force, and in wisdom rather than brute force."

"Generals Zhang He, Gao Lan, and Yu Jin are all outstanding soldiers in the army, with outstanding military achievements and both wisdom and courage. My intention for this integration is not to suppress them with force, but I hope that you can set an example and show the style and demeanor of our army. You can lead your troops first and promote understanding and trust between the camps through training, exchanges, and competitions. Let the soldiers forge friendships through sweat and make progress together through competition. This is the best policy."

"As for military exploits, our army has never been stingy. In the future, whether it is the Northern Expedition to resist the enemy or the Southern Expedition to quell the rebellion, there will be countless opportunities to make achievements. As long as all generals work together and bravely take the lead, their achievements will be recorded in history, and glory will shine on every corner of our army."

"Governor Zhou, as the commander, you need to be more perceptive and coordinate all parties to ensure that this integration is both smooth and harmonious. Let us join hands and jointly open a new chapter for the Southern Military Region, so that every inch of the mountains and rivers on this land will bear witness to the glory and honor of our army!"

After Yu Fan finished speaking, his eyes revealed determination and expectation, as if he had foreseen the magnificent scene of the Southern Military Region being united and invincible in the future.

Yu Fan spoke very excitedly, but he was not popular. Moreover, this was the merit of being the vanguard. All those present were the leaders of their respective armies, so how could they give in easily?

Sun Ce refuted him face to face, "General Yu's words are true and his ambitions are high. It is indeed a blessing for our army. However, since the Southern Army does not care about military achievements, why bother to fight with us? It is just a small military achievement, not worth mentioning."

Sun Ce's words were sharp but measured. He not only expressed his approval of Yu Fan's ambition, but also pointed out the difficulties and challenges in actual operation, which immediately made the atmosphere in the meeting room more subtle. Everyone nodded, expressing their agreement with Sun Ce's point of view. After all, the integration of the army is not just a simple addition of military power, but also a deep integration of culture, concepts, tactics and other aspects.

Governor Zhou smiled slightly when he saw this. He knew the thoughts of these generals very well and understood their respective positions and considerations. So he stood up and started to act as a peacemaker: "Everyone!"

"Your Majesty has entrusted me with this important task, and I want you to take action at this very moment. You are all military leaders, how can you argue with a shrew?"

"How disgraceful!"

Sun Ce asked, "What does the Governor think?"

"How about this?" Zhou Tai suggested and threatened: "What you all said makes sense. How about we draw lots to decide this matter?"

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the camp. The generals looked at each other, obviously surprised by this sudden "drawing lots" decision. However, on second thought, this was also a fair way to avoid direct conflict, at least it could convince everyone.

"Governor, you are wise!" Sun Ce was the first to break the silence. He was straightforward and appreciated this simple and direct approach. "Since everyone has their own opinions, let God decide!"

"But," Wen Pin interrupted, "since it's just a simple lottery, then my North Sea Fleet will also participate!"

Zhou Tai smiled slightly and said, "That's natural."

Everyone cursed inwardly, this guy was waiting here.

"Okay, in that case, we will also include the North Sea Fleet in this lottery." Zhou Tai looked around, his eyes revealing an unquestionable determination, "However, in order to ensure fairness, we need to make some adjustments to the rules. I'm afraid I can't convince everyone by myself, so how about asking the commanders of each army to participate, and then the deputy commanders draw the lots?"

As soon as these words came out, the hot-tempered general couldn't help but curse the national quintessence.

Do you care about fairness?

What everyone cares about is the quota!

It was originally a matter between the Southern Military Region and the South China Sea Fleet, with a 50% chance, and now the North Sea Fleet, which was eliminated before, has to be added.

Damn it, the probability instantly dropped to one third.

At the same time, the commanders of various factions also realized why His Majesty let Zhou Tai be the commander-in-chief this time. This guy is too cunning.

At this moment, He Qi, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up and asked, "The Governor has already said that we must be fair, so the soldiers from Jiaozhou and the counties should also participate."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked over.

The Southern Military Region, the North Sea Fleet, and the South Sea Fleet are regular troops! They are the main force!

What the hell are the soldiers from Jiaozhou counties? They are not even militia!

So He Qi's request was rejected.

Then, the winner of the lottery turned out to be Gong Lei, deputy commander of the Southern Military Region!

For an army to be the pioneer of the navy, what the hell is that? (End of this chapter)