Chapter 1249: Fight the Tatars, then fight the Japanese pirates; fight wherever we go!

Jingcheng, Shuntian Prefecture.

Inside the Imperial Palace, the civil and military officials were in the midst of a meeting.

Ever since the great victory in Liaodong, Emperor Hongde had been sleeping much more comfortably.

Because the annual military expenditure for Liaodong had been so heavy it nearly suffocated him.

But now things were better; Liaodong had Jia Jue, and the Tatars had become obedient.

"Your Majesty, this is the list of candidates for the Regional Commander of the Capital Battalion recommended by us officials."

As the list was handed up, many civil and military officials cast their gazes toward Emperor Hongde.

Upon receiving the list, Emperor Hongde's eyes darkened significantly.

Because there wasn't a single person on it whom he had intended to select.

However, upon seeing the name Wang Ziteng, Emperor Hongde began to smile.

Because he seemed to recall the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard saying that Jia Jue and this kinsman of his had had a very unpleasant time in Liaodong!

Thinking of this, Emperor Hongde tapped his fingers against the dragon throne, as if contemplating something.

Because while Wang Ziteng's entry into the capital appeared to be a promotion, the reality was that he had lost his base of operations.

After all, the Jia family's resources were all in Liaodong; even if he had students and old acquaintances in the capital, how long could they help him?

Now that Wang Ziteng was back, it seemed he could finally reach his hand into Liaodong!

Just as Emperor Hongde was considering whether this could be done, a eunuch entered from outside and said, "Your Majesty, the Retired Emperor summons you! It seems there is an urgent matter."

"An urgent matter?"

Speaking with suspicion, Emperor Hongde became puzzled.

"Issue the decree: Wang Ziteng is to enter the capital immediately and be promoted to Regional Commander of the Capital Battalion!"

Addressing the people below, Emperor Hongde issued the order; after all, since he couldn't make the decision himself, he might as well pick someone brainless!

He was well aware of Wang Ziteng's combat record; to be sent back with the signatures of the entire Liaodong command proved that the man had truly been ostracized!

If the Jia family used their connections to help the man climb high, how would the in-laws in Liaodong view the Jia family then!

Thinking that he hadn't even made a move yet, and the Four Princes, Eight Dukes, and Twelve Marquises were already about to fight a civil war, Emperor Hongde nearly laughed out loud.

Inside the Dragon Head Palace, the Retired Emperor was sitting to the side fishing, the murky look in his eyes flickering.

"Your son pays his respects to the Imperial Father!"

Respectfully approaching the Retired Emperor's side, Emperor Hongde appeared very obedient.

Because he had no choice but to be obedient; the Capital Battalion was in the Retired Emperor's hands, and half of the border troops were in his hands as well.

As someone who had "won while lying down," Emperor Hongde might not have been the most outstanding, but he was definitely the most cunning!

"Half a month ago, the Goryeo envoy came to pay tribute, and you saw him too. Do you have any thoughts?"

Looking at Emperor Hongde before him, the Retired Emperor couldn't help but inquire.

"Imperial Father, we just helped them defeat the Tatars, and now we are to send troops to attack the Japanese pirates; isn't that too hasty?"

Speaking to the Retired Emperor, Emperor Hongde also wore an awkward expression.

Because Goryeo was simply cursed; no sooner had Hong Taiji finished fighting them than the Japanese pirates arrived.

What could Goryeo do after being beaten? Naturally, they would cling to the Great Gan's leg and cry, "Daddy, save me!"

But Daddy had a headache too; Emperor Hongde was busy sorting out the imperial court and had no time to deal with these things.

But the Retired Emperor didn't think so; because Jinzhou had been recovered, and although the initial setbacks had been smoothed over, he had no military merit. The lost territories had not yet been reclaimed!

If he could let the Great Gan's soldiers draw a big circle in Goryeo, wouldn't he have fame both during his life and after his death?

"Then what do you intend to do? Watch Goryeo be occupied by the Japanese pirates from the three islands? That is a vassal of our Great Gan!"

Looking sternly at Emperor Hongde, the Retired Emperor's gaze turned ruthless.

Because as a son, how could you block your father from establishing military merit?

"Father, it is not that your son is unwilling, but the imperial court has no silver!"

Speaking to the Retired Emperor, Emperor Hongde put on a look of resignation, because the authority of the Ministry of Revenue was not in his hands!

"As for the matter of silver, I will resolve it myself!"

Glancing at Emperor Hongde, the Retired Emperor couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

"Then Imperial Father, may I ask who will lead the troops on the expedition?"

Looking at the Retired Emperor, Emperor Hongde's own little schemes began to stir, because he wanted to take this opportunity to arrange for some of his own men to be included.

"What do you think of Niu Jizong?"

Looking at Emperor Hongde before him, the Retired Emperor couldn't help but inquire.

"Niu Jizong is sufficient for holding ground, but to have him assist Goryeo, I fear it will be difficult to achieve success!"

Speaking to the Retired Emperor, Emperor Hongde couldn't help but explain.

Because this was the Retired Emperor's man; how brainless would Emperor Hongde have to be to let him go to Goryeo to fight?

Because the candidate for this time not only had to be able to fight, but also had to be loyal to him!

Otherwise, once the war was over, his Imperial Father's power would grow even larger, and wouldn't he still be a puppet?

"Who do you have in mind?"

Looking at Emperor Hongde before him, the Retired Emperor naturally knew he couldn't possibly agree to Niu Jizong, so he just wanted to see his thoughts. "Your son thinks, why not let Jia Jue go?"

Speaking to the Retired Emperor, Emperor Hongde began to smile.

"Jia the Invincible?"

Thinking of this young man to whom he had personally bestowed a courtesy name, the Retired Emperor said slowly, "He is still too young, but Feng Tang can serve as the main general, and he can serve as the deputy general."

Just after the two finished talking, both sides felt they had gotten the better end of the deal.

The Retired Emperor wanted military achievements, but Emperor Hongde wanted to cultivate his own men.

As a member of the younger generation, Jia Jue was naturally his man; after all, how old was the Retired Emperor, could he outlive him?

As for this merit, Emperor Hongde didn't even need to say it; the official historians would understand how to write it!

Emperor Hongde: This is what was done during my reign; the military merit should be attributed to me first!

Retired Emperor: Huh? I paid the silver, I risked my old life, and you backstab me?

Liaodong, Jinzhou.

In the military camp, the soldiers were training.

As the gate was opened, a carriage slowly drove in.

Looking at the items on the carriage in surprise, many soldiers swallowed their saliva.

"The Commander saw that everyone has been training hard, so he specifically hunted some wild game for you all; make sure to eat your fill!"

Standing below and speaking, Jia Wei couldn't help but shout loudly.

Looking at Jia Wei's appearance, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but smile.

"Uncle, look at this bear; it would be just right to make a large coat. Why not send it back to Grandmother?"

Looking at the large bear being skinned, Jia Wei began to speak.

"Make a few more; send one back to your mother as well. After all, in this Liaodong, these things are the least lacking."

Speaking to Jia Wei, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but explain.

And just at this moment, Jia Pu, who had walked over, teased, "Jue-ge'er, your father-in-law is here!"

"Where would I have a father-in-law from?"

Looking at Jia Pu in confusion, Zhang Cheng was stunned.

"Hahaha, Jue-ge'er, have you been missing your father-in-law? I've brought Pearl to you!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng with a face full of laughter, Tan Lujia directly gave him a bear hug.

Looking at Tan Lujia in shock, Zhang Cheng said in astonishment, "When did I agree to you?"

"I remember you nodded when you attacked Jinzhou last time! Don't tell me you want to go back on your word; if so, I'll have to report this to the Emperor!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Tan Lujia wore a look of annoyance.

"I was telling you to charge afterward, not asking for your Pearl!"

Looking at Tan Lujia's appearance, Zhang Cheng hurriedly refused; with his bear-like appearance, his daughter must be a rough-and-tumble "man" with arms thick enough to race horses on.

And just as Zhang Cheng was refusing, Jia Wei patted Zhang Cheng's shoulder and said, "Uncle, look at the aunt; she's so beautiful!"

"Are you blind? If she can be beautiful, I'll eat a carriage wheel..."

Turning his head to look at the woman stepping down from the carriage, Zhang Cheng froze for a moment.

"Uncle, I'll go dismantle the wheel for you!"

Watching Zhang Cheng unable to move his eyes, Jia Wei began to laugh.

"Don't bother, Wei-ge'er, Uncle will come help you dismantle it together!"

Speaking to Jia Wei, Jia Pu also began to laugh.

"Father-in-law, when shall I and your Pearl be wed?"

Looking at Tan Lujia with a serious face, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but become solemn.

Standing aloof in the distance, Shirley seemed as if she didn't belong here.

【Flying Sky Dance!】

"What about your initial appearance?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Tan Lujia was surprised.

"I'm sorry, Father-in-law, it was I who was arrogant!"

Grabbing Tan Lujia's hand, Zhang Cheng felt that this father-in-law was truly great.

Zhang Cheng: If you don't mind, I am willing to acknowledge you as my foster father!

Tan Lujia: What you have in your hand is a Six-Harmony Great Spear, not a Painted Halberd of Heavenly Might!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 1250 =====