The Foresight of the Eldest Grandson

Chapter 185 The Foresight of the Eldest Grandson

Inside the study.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zengshou quickly stood up straight, lowered his hands, and respectfully said, "Your son will heed your teachings, Father, and will never forget them!"

Xu Da said in a deep voice, "The first point is that military discipline is as solid as a mountain; one must first correct oneself before correcting others!"

"You're our son, so naturally you'll be pampered in the army, but you can't really think of yourself as some kind of pampered prince!"

"Even those who command troops must set an example in their daily lives."

From following the emperor in raising an army in Haozhou back then until today, he has become the number one military general of the Ming Dynasty and a founding veteran.

Whether in interpersonal relationships or military experience, few among civil and military officials can match him.

Xu Da's words here are all precious and heartfelt.

After a pause, he stood up, walked to his third son, stroked his beard, and said, "Secondly, he treats his soldiers like his own children and is good at using people."

"These soldiers must not be regarded as mere tools for fighting! They are people with wives, children, and parents, just like you!"

Therefore, in all matters concerning the army, do not withhold soldiers' pay, and do not beat or scold soldiers.

"On the battlefield, only by leading from the front will your men truly respect you and be willing to die for you!"

"The reason we were able to win battles back then wasn't because of how brilliant our military strategies were, but because our soldiers were of one mind!"

Thirdly, be careful with your words and actions, and avoid discussing right and wrong. Wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue. Even among generals, conflicts are inevitable; some are arrogant, and some are self-righteous—

"Remember, just observe, don't take sides, and do your duty as usual! Be loyal to the royal family!"

The Ming Dynasty has been established for so many years.

Xu Da said it, and he did it.

Knowing son Moruo father.

He was well aware that his third son would lose his senses at crucial moments.

This is truly a major taboo in the imperial court.

One wrong step and you'll regret it forever!

Upon hearing this, Xu Zengshou seemed to understand but not quite, and quickly agreed.

As Xu Da paced back and forth, he added, "The fourth point is to leave room for maneuver in battle and never underestimate the enemy or advance rashly."

"Battlefield situations are inherently constantly changing; the easier something seems, the more likely it is to be a trap!"

"It's likely that Chen Youliang's entire army was annihilated at Poyang Lake because he underestimated his enemy!"

"As the art of war says, 'Consider defeat before victory.' Therefore, before every battle, one must consider the worst-case scenario and have a backup plan!"

"By doing this, we are not only taking responsibility for ourselves, but also for our subordinates!"

"We know you're young and ambitious, and wanting to gain military merit on the battlefield is a good thing, but it's also a bad thing!"

"The fifth point is to learn to keep your mouth shut. In the capital, it was precisely because of your mouth that you caused so much trouble! You must understand the principle that trouble comes from the mouth, especially when military intelligence is of paramount importance. The slightest mistake can lead to strategic failure, and even the deaths of thousands upon thousands of people!"

Xu Da's expression was serious, and his tone was solemn. He would deliberately pause after each sentence to give his son time to think.

Hearing his father's words and seeing his gray hair, Xu Zengshou was deeply moved.

How could they not know the good intentions behind it?

He immediately bowed deeply, his voice choked with emotion, and said, "I have remembered Father's teachings. I will always be mindful of them and never bring shame to the Duke of Wei's mansion!"

Xu Da turned around, patted the third brother on the shoulder, and praised, "It's good that you understand!"

"Of our sons, your eldest is mature and steady, your second is resolute and mighty, and your younger brother is reserved and low-key!"

"You're the only one I worry about the most!"

Of all his sons, the eldest son was the most like him in the eyes of the Duke of Wei!

The second son, Xu Tianfu, has been a close and steady relative ever since his old illness was cured a few years ago and he was spared from death!

The fourth son, Xu Yingxu, is young, but he knows how to protect himself wisely!

The third son, Xu Zengshou, was quick-witted and resourceful, and always sought shortcuts.

Such a temperament makes it very easy to offend the royal family and cause trouble.

Xu Zengshou agreed to all of his father's words.

They talked for a while longer.

As he was about to take his leave, Xu Laosan hesitated slightly and asked softly, "Lately, I've noticed you always look worried. Is something wrong at court?"

Xu Da returned to his desk, picked up his tea, took a sip, and pondered, "There's nothing major happening in the court!"

"However, the Japanese pirates along the southeastern coast continue their raids relentlessly, becoming increasingly rampant!"

"Furthermore, with the northern expedition to the Gobi Desert scheduled for next year, the court has limited resources for this task."

Japanese pirates?!

Xu Zengshou frowned and said, "I remember, wasn't Uncle Tang keeping an eye on things regarding the Japanese pirates?"

In terms of age, Tang He was a few years older than Xu Da.

Therefore, all the sons of the Xu family called Tang He their uncle.

Xu Da shook his head and said, "It's not that easy. What your Uncle Tang did can only prevent problems for a while, not forever!"

"The Japanese pirates are mostly desperate criminals who often appear and disappear in small boats without a trace!"

"As soon as our warships arrive, their people flee back to the sea. Then, after we leave, they come back to plunder! Furthermore, the coastal areas are long, and it's impossible to station troops everywhere!"

"As for the origins of the Japanese pirates, during the turmoil at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, many people fled to the sea after their defeats, mixing with Japanese pirates and unscrupulous merchants along the coast. For money, they colluded together, creating a coordinated attack from within and without, which is why they were so difficult to eradicate!"

When discussing the threat of Japanese pirates.

Xu Da recalled a conversation he had with Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang a few years ago, during which they discussed the strategies of the eldest grandson of the emperor.

The core principle is that prevention is worse than cure; that is, the Ming Dynasty should proactively expand its influence overseas to eliminate the threat of Japanese pirates and control distant lands.

foreign----

A few years ago, when he first heard this idea, he felt it was somewhat unrealistic.

But now it seems to make a lot of sense.

However, in accordance with the emperor's wishes, he still insisted on strict defense and vigilance!

This matter requires further consideration.

After a moment's thought, Xu Da said, "Right now, the focus of our Great Ming Dynasty is on the Northern Yuan. The threat of the Japanese pirates can only be addressed gradually, by trying to resolve it step by step!"

"However, you don't need to worry about this matter; the court will handle it!"

Seeing this, Xu Zengshou said no more.

Just then, the steward knocked on the study door, and his voice came from outside.

"Reporting to the Duke! The eldest son of the Prince of Yan has arrived. He is outside the manor gate and says he just came from the palace. He asked the Emperor and Empress for leave and came to pay his respects to the Duke just before the Mid-Autumn Festival!"

Upon hearing that her eldest grandson had arrived...

Xu Da's worry vanished instantly, replaced by a look of satisfaction. "This child is truly sensible and filial!" he exclaimed.

"They always remember this old man during holidays and festivals!"

"Tell the kitchen to prepare lunch as soon as possible, and make several of our grandson's favorite dishes!"

"Yes, sir!"

The person in charge accepted the order and left.

Seeing his father so happy was a rare sight, and remembering that he hadn't seen his nephew for many days.

Xu Zengshou couldn't hide his joy and said impatiently, "Father! I'll go and bring Chi'er over right away!"

"Okay! Go ahead!"