"No need for apologies, just prepare the provisions."

Zhou Wenji smiled and said, "This, I do not know."

What he meant was that this matter was outside his scope of responsibility, he didn't know about it, and even if he did, he wouldn't tell you.

Zhou Wenji thought to himself: Li Bao, your army is either in Guangzhou Port or Kowloon. Even if you are the Commander-in-Chief of the South China Sea, how dare you come to Quanzhou with just a few men and no respect for food? You expect an army and supplies? Do you think you are Yue Fei?

You're still too young!

Zhou Wenji's attitude was also clear: I won't openly oppose you, but I just won't cooperate with you.

Moreover, Zhou Wenji was well-versed in the ways of officialdom and always had a smile on his face.

As the saying goes, you can't hit a smiling face, and with someone like Zhou Wenji, most people really can't do anything about it.

Li Bao didn't waste words with him. His Majesty the Emperor taught him well: if you're not convinced, just fight. You'll eventually be convinced after fighting!

I don't care if you smile at me or cry at me!

"Lord Xu Du!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Gather the brothers and assemble in the east of the city!"

"Yes, sir!"

Xu Yunsheng was quite excited, having been infected by Li Bao's emotions.

Zhou Wenji still had a smile on his face and said, "Commander Li, the Quanzhou Navy is under the jurisdiction of the East China Sea Naval Command. You have no authority to deploy troops, let alone command them."

"Then tell me, who has the power to deploy troops, and who has the command authority?"

Every wrinkle on Zhou Wenji's face radiated humility: "The power to deploy troops naturally rests with the Privy Council. The command of the navy is delegated to the Military Governor's Office. Currently, the command is in the hands of Prince Kang. If you wish to serve as the commander of the East China Sea Navy, you will need to be appointed by the Navy Chief Commander, Minister Yu. Of course, the prerequisite is that Prince Kang's command must be revoked."

Zhou Wenji's meaning is already quite clear.

Command authority belongs to King Kang. No one can arbitrarily abuse their power. Abuse of power in the army is a major taboo, and violators will be executed!

As for the command of the Prince of Kang, it is absolutely not something that Yu Yunwen can take back.

Yu Yunwen was nominally the Chief of the Navy, in charge of the entire Song Dynasty Navy.

However, the special presence of Prince Kang effectively kept Yu Yunwen in check.

Prince Kang not only commanded the Maritime Trade Office of the Great Song Dynasty, but was also the Commander-in-Chief of the East China Sea Navy. His command authority was personally granted by the Emperor, and it was not something that could be resolved with just a word from Yu Yunwen.

The power structure involved is like the roots of a century-old tree, deeply and tightly embedded.

Let alone you, the Grand Commander of the South China Sea, even the current Prime Minister Yu Yunwen cannot shake your position.

Zhou Wenji's words sent a chill down Xu Yunsheng's spine.

Li Baoneng commands immense support in the South China Sea, crushing all resistance on the islands. However, this is not the South China Sea; this area falls under the jurisdiction of the East China Sea.

The imperial court intends to transfer Quanzhou to the South China Sea, but the documents from the Privy Council and the Military Governor's Office have not yet been officially announced.

Li Bao is so stubborn; he's probably going to suffer a loss.

Li Bao said firmly, "I am the Pacification Commissioner of Lingnan, personally appointed by His Majesty. This is a troop mobilization order from the Privy Council, bearing the seals of Privy Councilor Li and Marshal Zong, as well as His Majesty's own handwriting. Is that enough?"

Zhou Wenji immediately bowed and said, "This humble official has been presumptuous!"

Li Bao said, "Commander Xu, listen to my command!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

Now, Xu Yunsheng had a better understanding of the situation.

"Gather all the young men at the East Gate!"

"yes!"

After saying that, Xu Yunsheng mounted his horse and rode away at high speed.

Zhou Wenji smiled and said, "I wonder what Commander Li has gathered at the East Gate for? Is there anything I can do to help?"

You'll find out soon enough.

Seeing the mysterious smile on Li Bao's face, Zhou Wenji felt uneasy.

But this unease quickly subsided.

What's there to be afraid of?

This is Quanzhou. Cai Yongling is a man of the Prince of Kang. Almost all the wealthy merchants are our people. If you want military rations, you'll have to wait a few more days!

Li Bao arrived at the East Gate with his trusted confidants.

As evening fell, the setting sun cast its last rays upon the sea, painting it a vibrant red.

A sea breeze blew, ruffling the young general's temples.

Li Bao's style of doing things was deeply influenced by Yue Fei. He stood there like a tall pine tree.

Before long, squadrons of naval personnel lined up neatly and jogged toward them.

Their steps were remarkably synchronized, and they all wore dark blue military uniforms without armor. The navy primarily used firearms at sea, and had abandoned armor for close combat.

They carried a standard long sword at their waist, crossbows strapped to their arms, and a musket on their backs.

There were many onlookers, and quite a few young girls were starry-eyed.

Soon, about three thousand sailors lined up neatly in front of Li Bao.

Xu Yunsheng shouted loudly, "Commander Li! All officers and soldiers of the Third Army of the Great Song East Sea Navy are in formation!"

Li Bao said, "Okay!"

Zhou Wenji sipped his tea, wondering what Li Bao was up to.

Are we about to give a lecture?

There are three thousand people here, and he's the only one shouting. Not everyone can hear him!

Or perhaps we should meet, then board the ship and head straight to Guangzhou?

Hehe, this is interesting. If you dare to head straight for Guangzhou, we dare to send you military rations a month from now!

Anyway, it's the rainy season now, so I can come up with any excuse!

Li Bao glanced at him and couldn't help but cast an admiring look at Xu Yunsheng.

As expected of someone who graduated from the Imperial Military Academy, their military discipline is extremely strict.

Li Bao walked up to Zhou Wenji and said with a smile, "Could I trouble you, Zhou Sicheng, for a favor?"

"Just give the order, Commander Li, and I will do my utmost to comply!"

"Take us to Prefect Cai's residence!"

Zhou Wenji was slightly taken aback. Us?

Li Bao, do you mean you want me to take you and these soldiers to find Cai Yongling?

This is simply outrageous! How could the entire navy gather at the prefect's residence?

This is treason!

Zhou Wenji wanted to explode inside, but he still had a smile on his face: "Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

"It's alright. If it's inconvenient for Director Zhou, I'll go myself."

"Commander Li, the navy needs the prefect's permission to enter the city, let alone go to the prefect's residence. This is a matter of great importance. Please think it over carefully, Commander Li, to avoid causing panic, the consequences of which would be unimaginable!"

"It's alright, I'm just going to have a chat with him!"

"Commander Li, this is Quanzhou. You are the Pacification Commissioner of Lingnan and the Commander-in-Chief of the South China Sea. Please reconsider!"

Zhou Wenji's words have made it very clear: you are the Pacification Commissioner of Lingnan and the Commander-in-Chief of the South China Sea, but this is Quanzhou, which is not under your jurisdiction. Overstepping your authority is a serious crime!

Li Bao simply stopped wasting words with him and said directly, "Hehe, Zhou Wenji, it seems you've been in Quanzhou for decades and your brain has deteriorated."

"You've never seen our Emperor. Do you know what His Majesty would do if he were here and knew about your cunning schemes?"

Zhou Wenji was slightly taken aback, not expecting Li Bao to dare to start tearing off the mask so directly. He subconsciously asked, "What will happen?"

Li Bao smiled and said, "I will cut you down with one stroke right now and use your head to pay tribute to the flag of my Great Song Navy!"