lcionline Chapter 588 Self-recommendation
Chapter 588 Self-recommendation
After observing the entire landing process, Liu Ye said to Liang Xiaoming, "What you said makes sense. It seems very necessary to establish a lean and mobile force, relying on our powerful naval forces, to cooperate with the large-scale amphibious landing operation."
Liang Xiaoming beamed: "You've figured it out? Actually, the Marine Corps is an elite force in the military. It can play an important role not only in amphibious operations but also in many other situations."
"You want to turn the Marine Corps into a special forces unit? But Qin Tian already has a special forces unit, isn't that redundant?"
"No, no, no, the two are not overlapping. One focuses on land, the other on sea; one can penetrate deep into enemy territory to infiltrate and sabotage cities, the other can launch precision strikes along the coastline at any time."
Liu Ye laughed and said, "Look at what you're saying, I'm even tempted by you."
He pondered for a moment, then finally made his decision: "Considering how hard you've lobbied, I'll give it a try. You'll serve as the Marine Corps' chief advisor, responsible for weapons development, training, and operational guidance. As for the commander of this unit..."
Yan Guang and other high-ranking military figures were behind the two men and overheard the conversation. They understood that the general was about to establish a new army. Although they didn't understand what the so-called "Marine Corps" meant, it sounded impressive and important. They wondered who would be appointed as the commander of this unit.
At this moment, Li Fei stepped forward and volunteered: "General, I would like to recommend myself to be the commander of this new army. Please grant my request."
"You?" Liu Ye frowned. "But you are the captain of the 'Guangdong'. How can you hold multiple positions?"
Li Fei calmly said, "I am willing to give up the position of captain. Please select another capable person, General."
"Nonsense! Military positions are not child's play, you can't just take them and throw them away. If everyone were like you, wouldn't the army be in chaos?" Liu Ye's face darkened. "Go back, and I'll pretend I never heard you say that. But if you still don't know when to back down, be careful you don't lose your Marine Corps position and your ship captain position too."
Li Fei was a naval officer, and the fleet commander, Gao Jie, admired this calm and quick-witted captain. Seeing him being reprimanded by Liu Ye, Gao Jie became anxious and quickly went to pull Li Fei away, trying to persuade him to abandon this absurd plan. Both for his own sake and his own, he had to dissuade him.
Officially, Li Fei, as the captain of the Yongle-class warship "Guangdong," the largest warship in the navy, was Gao Jie's most important and capable subordinate, and indispensable. Personally, both he and Li Fei joined the Qiong Navy midway through their careers, and there was a natural gap between the navy and the army. The two of them, along with the surrendered general Van Bommel, were usually outside the circle of local generals, and they shared some common plight and had a good personal relationship. He couldn't bear to see him offend Liu Ye and end up losing on both sides.
Li Fei broke free from Gao Jie's hand and said firmly, "The general is right. Military positions are not child's play. I am not willing to break the rules of the military, so I formally request to resign from my position as captain and am willing to be an ordinary soldier in the Marine Corps."
Everyone was shocked by these words, even Liu Ye was so surprised that he opened his mouth wide and couldn't speak.
The captain of the Yongle-class warship holds a rank equivalent to a regimental commander in the army, which is currently the highest rank of colonel. Both his economic benefits and political status are top-notch in the military. Although Liu Ye hasn't mentioned rebellion, everyone in the system, unless they're fools, knows his ambition is to become the ruler of the world. If Li Fei continues his work methodically, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he'll undoubtedly receive credit for supporting Liu Ye's rise to power, becoming a general and receiving a noble title. Now, he's actually giving up his captain's position to become a lowly soldier? No one can think of any other explanation besides that he's lost his mind.
In the silence, Li Fei said, "Please grant my request, General."
Liu Ye snapped out of his daze, thought for a moment, and waved his hand, saying, "I need to think about this matter carefully. You go back to the 'Guangdong' first, stay at your post, fulfill your duties as captain, and wait for the results."
Under the complex gazes of the crowd, Li Fei calmly replied, "Your subordinate obeys."
Several hours later, all three regiments of the Qionghai Army and Navy landed, unloaded their light and heavy weapons from the ships, and after assembling, set off towards Tianjin.
Li Fei returned to the "Guangdong," his face calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. His subordinate, Bo Erhu, approached him, looked around to make sure no one else was there, and asked softly, "Young Master... Captain, I heard you offended a general on shore? He said he'd rather be a private than leave for the army?"
Li Fei replied calmly, "Judging from their conversation, this new army should belong to the navy, but its organization and equipment are very similar to the army, and it is more elite and uses better weapons."
Borhu asked in confusion, "Why do this? You were doing well in the navy, second only to the emperor, but now you have to start all over again in the new army."
Li Fei's eyes sharpened as he stared at him and said, "Boerhu, have you forgotten the oath we made? What good is it to do well in the navy? The ships can't go ashore, we can't march on Dadu, and we can't personally cut off the head of the Ming emperor. The revenge for our ancestors will never be avenged."
Borhu suddenly realized: "So, young master, you are willing to risk everything to join the new army and give up everything in the navy?"
“That’s right. The Army is currently under the control of Shi and Xu, and the entire army is full of their cronies. Even if I join the Army, I’ll only be doing their bidding. But the New Army, which belongs to the Navy, is doing the Army’s work, which is a good opportunity for me to make my move. Once I’ve established myself, I’ll transfer you all in, and then…”
Bor suddenly understood: "Even if we don't turn the new army into our private army, at least we can command it as easily as our own limbs, and it can be used by us in critical moments..."
Having said all that, the two dared not continue, fearing eavesdroppers. However, they understood each other's feelings, and everything was unspoken; they exchanged a knowing smile.
While the master and servant were whispering to each other, Liu Ye and Liang Xiaoming were also discussing quietly on the shore.
Liang Xiaoming asked, puzzled, "Why did you react so strongly to Li Fei's actions?"
Liu Ye frowned and said, "I still haven't figured out his background, and it's always been a thorn in my side. But he's performed well in the Navy, and as long as he maintains the status quo, I don't want to doubt him. But he suddenly took the initiative to join the Marine Corps, which hasn't even been established yet, and he's so persistent about it, even willing to give up his current high position. Don't you think that's very unusual?"
Liang Xiaoming recalled the situation at the time and nodded: "Now that you mention it, it seems to make sense, and it doesn't conform to common sense!"