After leaving Han Mo’s mansion, Feng Yuanbao immediately summoned the chief stewards of the Zhang and Yu families.
After conveying Han Mo’s intentions to them, the group huddled together once more, starting to revise the plan they had previously agreed upon in detail.
While they were troubled, Han Mo was also quite vexed. Other matters were manageable, but the issue of appointing a military commander for the expedition remained unresolved in his mind.
Renowned generals like Han Shizhong and Yue Fei were, under no circumstances, allowed to leave the territory of the Great Song.
Even if Li Bao could go, he wouldn't be able to stay there for too long. At most, Han Mo would have to find a replacement for him within half a year.
After all, the subsequent training of the Quanzhou naval forces truly could not do without Li Bao.
Beyond them, Han Mo had a severe shortage of capable individuals.
“Young Master, what troubles you?”
Seeing Han Mo deep in thought, Jiang Yan asked softly from the side.
“How else could it be? Of course, it’s…”
As he spoke, Han Mo suddenly froze.
In that brief moment, he suddenly realized he had made a serious mistake.
He had been complaining that he lacked capable people around him, but did this task truly require great talents like Han Shizhong and Yue Fei?
This era was not like later generations. The shipbuilding technology of the Great Song Dynasty was leagues ahead of Japan and Goryeo.
Although the warships he possessed were basically all converted merchant vessels, their advantage over the warships of the Goryeo and Japanese people was immense.
The Taira clan was considered a prominent family in Japan, but their largest merchant ships were only three hundred piculs.
Let alone comparing them to the Mulan boats of the imperial court, even the merchant ships of the Pu family were no match.
When placed side by side, the Taira clan’s ships were akin to small sampans compared to theirs.
Under such an advantage, what need was there for renowned generals?
Moreover, they did not need to directly engage the Japanese in naval warfare this time.
After all, they were going as partners of the Taira clan. Once the warships docked, the rest of the matters would be much simpler.
With the superior equipment of the Great Song soldiers, dealing with those Japanese savages would be a piece of cake.
As long as the appointed person had a basic understanding of naval warfare, was loyal and reliable, and did not commit any fatal errors, and proceeded steadily and pushed forward step by step, it would be difficult even to fail.
If that were the case, then the number of people he could use would be much larger. At the very least, weren't the men under Jiang Yan the most suitable candidates?
The loyalty of these men had long been tested countless times. As long as they were sharp and steady, sending them to Li Bao for emergency training would likely not be a problem.
What’s more…
“Among your men, are there any skilled in naval warfare? Preferably with command experience, but it’s alright if not!”
“There are indeed a few who are good swimmers, but in terms of command experience, at most they’ve led a dozen men…”
As Jiang Yan said this, he scratched his head in embarrassment. However, this was unavoidable, as all the men under him were trained as assassins, not true generals.
Their expertise lay in ambushes and assassinations, not in leading soldiers in battle.
“It’s fine, go and find them for me!”
After contemplating for a moment, Han Mo decided to select a few of them to be sent to General Li Bao and Han Shizhong for accelerated training. If they could truly select a few capable individuals from among them, then there would be no shortage of talent for future plans.
The matters in Bianliang had to be temporarily halted at this time. Yuan Xingchi, being idle for the moment, could be used to establish a framework for them in Japan.
Although a great talent like Yuan Xingchi could not stay in Japan permanently, it was not a problem for him to go there temporarily.
At least, based on the current situation, the war between Song and Jin should still be at least half a year to a year away.
With this buffer period, these men should also be able to be trained in time.
“Yes!”
Upon hearing Han Mo’s words, Jiang Yan no longer hesitated and immediately turned and walked out. Not long after, he returned with three of his subordinates.
“I heard that all three of you are quite skilled in swimming. I wonder if you’re interested in joining the military?”
These men had been by his side for so long and had even risked their lives for him. Han Mo truly did not wish to force them.
“Join the military? Young Master, do you mean for us to be scouts in the army?”
Upon hearing Han Mo’s question, a man standing on the left immediately stepped forward to ask.
“If it were for scouts, why would I need you all? To be honest with you, the Young Master is currently planning a major event and needs a few commanding officers who are familiar with naval warfare. Of course, you might not have official military ranks, but I guarantee that the wealth you earn within ten years will be enough for your entire family’s lifelong expenses!”
After hearing Han Mo’s words, the eyes of the three men immediately lit up.
Having been by Han Mo’s side for so long, they had truly broadened their horizons.
Since Han Mo had said so, what else did they have to worry about?
“Of course, I am not forcing you in this matter. If you are willing, please step forward. If not, then consider me as if I never said anything, and you can remain by my side!”
After Han Mo finished speaking, he did not urge them but quietly waited for their choice.
“Why are you all still hesitating? This is an opportunity for a leap to heaven. Have you forgotten the large ships anchored outside Mingzhou City not long ago?”
Although Jiang Yan himself had not witnessed that scene, these men had seen it.
Not only had they seen it, but they had also constantly boasted about it in his ear every day, to the point where his ears were almost calloused.
“Brother is right. Young Master, Song Hu’s life is yours to command. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do!”
“Willing to die for Young Master!”
“Willing to die for Young Master!”
“Willing to die for Young Master!”
With someone taking the lead, the rest was quite natural.
The remaining two men did not even hesitate before kneeling before Han Mo behind him.
“Very good. Since that is the case, I will write you two letters shortly. Take these letters and go directly to Quanzhou to find General Li. Remember, you only have half a year. If you cannot pass General Li’s assessment after half a year, then you will be mere foot soldiers for life!”
“Yes!”