Chapter 362 General's Responsibility
The war in the Central Plains ended somewhat anticlimactically.
There were many twists and turns, but an all-out war never really broke out.
Among them, three people who played a decisive role, Zang Ba, Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu, became famous throughout the world.
Zang Ba is fine, just like Gan Ning, who is a conspicuous figure, he has done a lot of outrageous operations. Although his record is impressive, it is not surprising that his opponent is Xiahou Dun.
He already had a great reputation throughout the world, and this time he only consolidated his reputation as the "thief commander".
However, Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu had been very low-key before, but they achieved very valuable results in this battle.
Zhao Yun single-handedly stopped four warlords and fought against several top generals. He was directly equated with Lu Bu by people all over the world, and together they became the undisputed "number one general in the world".
One is overwhelming, the other is undefeated.
The strength of the two is almost the first by a huge margin compared to other generals in the world.
Of course, there is actually a hidden existence named Dian Wei, but as Tian Ze's bodyguard, Dian Wei rarely fights on the battlefield, so he is not counted.
Zhou Yu even stepped on Gan Ning and firmly secured the position of "the world's number one naval commander."
Even in combination with the previous Battle of Shouchun, many people think that the word "navy" can be removed from this title.
Maybe it's a bit exaggerated, but the evaluation of people all over the world is enough to show their abilities and achievements.
"What a pity! Such a good situation was ruined by Zhou Gongjin."
At this moment, Tian Ze felt somewhat like Cao Cao's regret after the Battle of Chibi.
Although he had a high opinion of Zhou Yu, he never expected that he had underestimated him.
The navy was able to inflict such a heavy defeat on Gan Ning in a head-on combat.
"Your Majesty, Xingba has submitted a letter of apology. Please punish him, my lord." Cheng Yu sighed slightly and handed over Gan Ning's letter of apology.
Tian Ze took it and looked at it carefully: "It's rare that Xingba can personally apologize, and this letter of apology is written quite sincerely."
"Well, then I will demote you three levels, but you will still serve as the acting commander of the navy."
"Your Majesty is merciful." Cheng Yu said upon hearing this.
To put it bluntly, Tian Ze's move was a small punishment but a big warning.
Although he was demoted, his military power was not deprived, which was tantamount to teaching Gan Ning a lesson.
This battle should be enough for Gan Ning to see himself clearly.
"There are many good naval commanders in the world, and Xingba has a heavy burden. I hope that after this battle, he will learn from his mistakes and be able to shoulder this responsibility." Tian Ze sighed.
Although he has the advantage in warships, compared with the many commanders of the infantry, the only commander that Tian Ze can really rely on in the navy is Gan Ning.
Jiang Qin, Han Dang and Ling Cao were not capable enough and could only serve as naval commanders. Although Zhou Tai led the navy, he was basically responsible for logistics and cover.
The southern princes had many more capable naval forces, including Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, Wen Pin, Huang Zu, etc.
After all, compared to the generals under Tian Ze who were mostly born in the north, the generals born in the south were naturally better at navy due to the influence of environmental factors.
"Your Majesty, there is actually no need to worry. Although there are many good naval commanders among the princes, there are few places where they can use their talents. Once we take over Xiliang, Yizhou, Central Plains and other places, even if the princes have the natural barrier of the Yangtze River, it will be of no use." Cheng Yu said nonchalantly.
Although the navy is necessary, it is not a decisive force.
In Cheng Yu's opinion, the many naval generals on his side were enough to tie down the enemy's navy.
Tian Ze shook his head and said, "Zhongde, after this battle, the princes will be more aware of the importance of the navy and will vigorously develop it. We must not stand still and must make some plans."
"What does your majesty mean?"
"Draw out 30,000 naval troops and let Yunchang lead them." Tian Ze said. After much thought, Tian Ze decided to develop Guan Yu's naval warfare ability.
Although Guan Yu had a heavy burden, Tian Ze felt that he could still bear it. After all, Guan Yu in history was a commander of the military and political affairs of Jingzhou, and was very capable in naval warfare, almost second only to Zhou Yu as the commander of the navy.
If they really want to cross the Yangtze River to the south in the future, they will inevitably have a battle with the navy led by Zhou Yu.
It would be difficult for Gan Ning to win alone, so the two of them would work together to deal with it.
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yu nodded slightly, then smiled faintly and said, "I'm afraid Xingba is really going to get angry this time."
Although Tian Ze did not impose a severe punishment, the allocation of navy to Guan Yu would certainly make Gan Ning feel a sense of urgency.
"If we don't put some pressure on him, Xingba will not know his place. We're going to teach him a lesson this time." Tian Ze said with a cold snort.
All great talents are like wild horses and difficult to tame.
Ever since he became the ruler, Tian Ze has deeply agreed with this statement.
Especially when it comes to the generals under his command, each of them has his own style and prejudice.
Gan Ning and Zang Ba are typical troublemakers who can fight but also cause trouble.
This defeat was a great loss to Tian Ze, and the invisible loss was indeed not small. It was impossible for Tian Ze to say that he had no resentment towards Gan Ning.
The naval commander under him must be capable, and even if he cannot surely defeat the enemy, he cannot make such a big mistake.
If Gan Ning had held back at that time, even if his subsequent performance was poor, at least he had pinned down Zhou Yu, which could be considered a meritorious service.
But when facing Zhou Yu as his enemy, he still overestimated his own capabilities and wanted to take risks, which was considered immature in Tian Ze's eyes.
If Gan Ning cannot take on the responsibility of naval commander, then Tian Ze will have to replace him.
Cheng Yu nodded slightly.
With Tian Ze's combat strategy and style, what is needed is not a stunning hero who can turn the tide in times of crisis, but more of a good commander who can proceed steadily and without mistakes.
Different situations naturally require different generals.
If Gan Ning fails to be at least somewhat reliable, although he can still serve as the number one naval commander under Tian Ze, in a real war, he will always be just an insignificant chess piece and will not be able to take on important missions.
Just like Li Guang who was difficult to be promoted, he either suffered a great defeat or a great victory, and he often made mistakes.
Although we know that he has outstanding abilities, how should we use such a general?
"Zilong performed extremely well in this battle." Cheng Yu said casually.
Unlike Gan Ning, Zhao Yun still performed extremely stably and outstandingly in this battle.
Tian Ze nodded slightly.
This is the general he needs most.
Zhao Yun is always so reliable, and his position in Tian Ze's heart is almost second only to Xu Rong.
"Given Zilong's ability, it is indeed unfair for him to be ranked below the four generals. However..."
The appointment of officials is an extremely complicated matter, and many people feel that it is unfair.
Especially among the military generals, everyone claims to be first-rate, and many complain about their low rank.
In this situation, some "honest people" must be sacrificed to shut up the generals.
Zhao Yun is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
Although Tian Ze secretly tried his best to make up for Zhao Yun in other aspects, Zhao Yun always suffered losses in terms of official position.
(End of this chapter)
