Chapter 895 Return to Beijing

Gu Yunting and Guo Kai killed everyone in Gaoli Kuku.

Only when the time was right did Gu Yunting free up his hands to deal with the merchants' affairs.

Merchants from the Central Plains made great contributions in this war. They surrounded Gu Yunting and chattered about how much their families had paid and how much money they had lost in this war.

"Okay, you guys count them, and we'll verify and compensate you accordingly."

A merchant from the former dynasty was furious and shouted, "How can His Royal Highness the Second Prince look at us like this?! It's just a little money, why would we care about it?"

Gu Yunting looked at him quietly. If he wasn’t after money, then he was after fame and fortune?

Sure enough, the businessman who spoke with a Goryeo accent said, "Can you please add our names to the credit book?"

He forced a flattering smile and stared at Gu Yunting pitifully.

These merchants made a lot of money in Goryeo, but money was not that important to them; they wanted military merit more.

One reason is that although Dayun verbally promised to give them the opportunity to return to the Central Plains, among the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, merchants were ranked last.

Without military merit and noble status, would he become a prey of the bully in the future?

The second reason is the nature of the people in the previous dynasty. The people of the Tang Dynasty attached great importance to face and status. Rather than passing on money to their descendants, they would rather pass on a good reputation.

Gu Yunting agreed to their request, and in return, the merchants were willing to take the spoils of war that Dayun soldiers had taken in Goryeo.

Only after Gu Yunting and other officials sent by the court took over Goryeo did they return to the court.

On the way back, the sea was rough.

Gu Yunting and Song Shoujie were drinking in the cabin: "This time we suffered more than 1,000 casualties, most of whom were injured after landing. In the future, the navy's training in this area needs to be strengthened."

Song Shoujie nodded in agreement. Only by taking the soldiers out for a walk could they know which areas were lacking and needed strengthening.

Fortunately, we brought a medical soldier with us. The medical soldier used alcohol disinfection to reduce the probability of the wounded soldiers dying from infection. The Yunnan Baiyao they brought with them also played a big role.

Judging from the performance in several wars, medical soldiers play a very important role.

Gu Yunting took note of this and decided to suggest to A Niang that he increase investment in the medical school after returning to Kyoto.

Whether it is to pacify the south or to swallow Tibet in the future, wars will be necessary.

The more medics the better.

On the way back to Dayun, Gu Yunting encountered several Japanese pirate ships, but the pirate ships turned around and ran away after seeing the Dayun warships from a distance.

Gu Yunting knew that these Japanese pirates wanted to watch the war in Goryeo, so he was too lazy to pursue them.

These Japanese pirates had close contacts with southern Goryeo and had always had special intentions towards the Korean Peninsula.

Gu Yunting drank a glass of wine and thought about the possibility of attacking the Japanese pirates. He finally concluded that he would have to fight sooner or later, but not now.

The navy still lacks training. After another one or two years of training, we can send troops to attack the Japanese pirates. This will not only solve the problem of pirates, but also train the navy.

When the fleet approached the shore, there was a roar of gongs and drums.

Reporters from Yunzhou Weekly waited at the port early just to interview the heroic figures of the Dayun warriors.

In addition to them, there are many tabloid reporters who are also here to obtain first-hand information.

They were not interested in how to conquer Goryeo, but were more concerned with the various gossip stories that happened during the period, such as whether the second prince had any affairs with the Goryeo queen or princesses.

The common people were craning their necks to look, they had no idea what they wanted to do, they just wanted to join in the fun.

Gu Yunting let Song Shoujie take the spotlight.

Song Shoujie was a surrendered general, and he always had a small knot in his heart. He felt that he had not made any contributions, and he could not hold his head up in front of other Dayun generals.

"Thank you, Second Prince." Song Shoujie said with red eyes and clasped his fists.

Gu Yunting waved his hand, and while no one was paying attention, he took the guards and rode straight to the palace.

"Second Prince, would you like to report this to His Majesty first?"

After all, he is a general leading troops outside. If the message is not passed on, it may easily cause misunderstanding.

Gu Yunting shook his head and said confidently, "That's my mother. I want to see her, why do I need a messenger? Besides, the messenger can't run faster than me."

Running all the way, day and night.

Gu Yunting returned to Kyoto before dark.

After not seeing it for a few months, Kyoto has become even more prosperous.

On the Bian River, thousands of boats were racing against each other.

The sheepskin rafts from Yunzhou became a favorite means of transportation for many Kyoto residents and became a new fashion trend.

The merchant ship from the north was loaded with felt and horses. As soon as it docked, it was surrounded by the young men who had been waiting there.

The exquisite pleasure boats in Jiangnan were loaded with silk and porcelain. The returning Fujian ships unloaded spices and corals. The sounds of horns, oars, and the officials of the Maritime Customs Office continued day and night.

On both sides of the river, the long street along the water stretches for dozens of miles. Two-story wooden arcades are lined up one after another, and the shops on the ground floor are open with eye-catching signs hanging.

Beidu fur goods, Lingnan rare medicine, Quanzhou pepper, Yunjin Tiangong...

Upstairs are wine shops, tea houses, and inns. From the carved window lattices can be heard the sounds of stringed instruments and laughter from the north and south.

Gu Yunting only glanced at the hustle and bustle of Kyoto; his heart had already flown to his mother, wife and children in the palace.

"Mother! I'm back!"

Gu Nanxi was hugged by Gu Yunting, and he chattered like a little child, taking credit for himself.

"Mother, am I awesome? I was just trying to test the waters of Goryeo, but I ended up taking over the entire country in one fell swoop!"

When Gu Nanxi saw Gu Yunting return safely, she was excited and a little angry.

This naughty kid is so daring. If Guo Kai hadn't reacted quickly and crossed the river in time, Gu Yunting might have been in a tough battle.

Gu Nanxi wanted to scold him, but when she met his big watery eyes, she swallowed the words.

Never mind, I can't be a spoiler parent. I'll give him some advice when the time is right.

"That's great. The lords of the Privy Council all praised you, saying that you are clever and adaptable."

In fact, they were almost vomiting blood because Gu Yunting was really good at causing trouble!

Gu Yunting smiled, and after hearing enough of Gu Nanxi's praise, he asked for something: "Mother, I have made such a great contribution, how do you plan to reward me?"

"How about being crowned king?"

Gu Yunting's eyes lit up and he said without any hesitation: "Okay!"

Gu Nanxi: "What title and fiefdom do you want?"

This is the first prince of Dayun, which is of great significance.

Gu Yunting said without hesitation: "I want an island overseas, and make me the King of the Sea."

Neptune?!

Gu Nanxi was a little embarrassed. The title of Sea King was certainly domineering, but it also had many other meanings in the future. "Do you want to think of another name?"

Gu Yunting thought for a moment: "King of the South Sea."

Okay.

Gu Nanxi nodded in agreement.

Gu Xuanming, who rushed over after hearing the news, sincerely congratulated Gu Yunting: "Congratulations, second brother."