Chapter 1277 Let’s dig, Xiaolu

"This is all thanks to you, young master!" Jia Youcai said sincerely:

"The reason why we can achieve such a high output is, firstly, because we have adopted more advanced production methods; secondly, we have introduced basic scientific management methods; thirdly, and this is also very important, the young master appointed Kanosuke as the mine supervisor. Under his encouragement, the miners have always maintained a strong fighting spirit.

"From the local nobles such as the Iwami family and the hot spring family to the miners in Ginzan, they have been subject to the Amago family for generations." He explained to Jin Ke, Wang Rulong and others: "So Kanosuke raised the banner of 'Reviving the Amago family'. After landing in Iwami, they immediately turned against him, drove away the mining supervisor of the Mori family, occupied Yamabuki Castle, and welcomed the Amago army."

"Oh, their loyalty is quite high." Wang Rulong said with a smile: "Then they shouldn't be destroyed by the Maori family."

"The Niwa family was destroyed by internal strife. And according to my observation, those people were not loyal to the Niwa family, but worshipped Yamanaka Kanosuke." Jia Youcai shook his head and said:

"I found that Japanese people are easily forgetful. It is said that after the internal strife of the Amago clan, they were already very unpopular, so they were overthrown by Mori Motonari. But ever since Kanosuke vowed to endure 'seven difficulties and eight hardships' to revive the Amago clan, many people have been madly worshipping him. As soon as he raised the flag, people immediately responded, even the local tyrants who were treated well by the Mori clan were no exception, and they rushed to join the Amago army."

"What the hell is this?" Wang Rulong and others were puzzled.

"Hahaha, this is normal," said Mr. Zhao, who was not surprised. "Japanese people are group animals. If they behave differently from others, they will feel uneasy. Group animals are most easily infected by the atmosphere."

"So that's how it is. Young master really knows everything." Jia Youcai and others showed a look of realization and thought to themselves, no wonder we talk so much about collectivism.

"Because the mine is complicated, we are temporarily unable to take over." He then continued: "According to the instructions of the young master, we appointed him as the mine supervisor and promised him a series of incentives."

"What motivation?" everyone asked.

"Nothing, just complete the task and unlock the reward." Zhao Hao smiled and said, "I promise that as long as the output of the silver mine reaches 5 million taels, I can unlock the military material transaction; 10 million taels, I can send the coast guard to support him in the battle, of course, there will be a fee; 20 million taels can directly help him restore Iwami, 40 million taels can restore Izumo, 60 million taels can restore Hoki, 80 million taels can restore Inaba... and so on. As long as the mining is good, helping the Niwa family restore the entire territory is not a dream!"

The generals were stunned. It turned out that mining could lead to financial freedom... Oh no, life's ideal. No wonder Kanosuke was so excited.

However, the young master repeatedly reiterated that the battle should be fought at sea, not on land. Doesn't this promise violate the young master's principles?

They knew that the young master always kept his word and would never do anything to destroy his reputation.

"By the way, sir, Kanosuke is waiting for an interview at the hotel. When can we meet him?" Wu Youcai asked.

"After lunch break," Mr. Zhao thought for a moment. We still have to give the model worker some confidence, so that his enthusiasm can last.

"Sir, do we really want to help the Niko family recover their territory?" After everyone left, Jin Ke and Wang Rulong had to ask for clarification. If they really wanted to do it, the headquarters had to make overall plans in advance, the General Staff Office had to give a combat plan in advance, and the General Office had to start intelligence work immediately.

"Of course." Zhao Hao said calmly: "A man without trust cannot stand, and a country without trust cannot prosper."

"Are we really going to send troops to Japan?" Wang Rulong was immediately excited. Although he had successfully transformed into a naval general, his soul still belonged to the army.

"No, the headquarters should not be distracted and should focus on the operation to the south. As for what we promised him, time will help us solve it." Young Master Zhao smiled mysteriously and stopped the conversation.

"Who is Shijian? How many teachers does he have?" After leaving the young master's residence, Wang Rulong asked Jin Ke in a low voice.

"Nonsense, time is time. It has few divisions, but it can change everything in the world." Jin Ke also smiled mysteriously. In fact, he was also confused.

"Damn it." Wang Rulong scratched his head, feeling very shocked. Lao Jin's posture was obviously much better than his. No wonder he was the second most important person in the army, not himself.

~~

What followed was the same old routine: having heart-to-heart talks with officers and soldiers; having meals in the grassroots canteen and asking about their well-being.

After lunch, Master Zhao took a short rest and then met the legendary Kanosuke and his lord Amako Katsuhisa on the balcony on the third floor of the bastion.

He was a little drowsy at first, but when he saw these two people, he suddenly woke up. What a perfect couple they are!

Especially when compared with those strange-looking Japanese daimyo and samurai, they stand out even more.

Kanosuke was about 26 or 27 years old, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, tall and handsome, full of heroic spirit and charm. He was a natural idol, no wonder he was so popular.

His lord, Amako Katsuhisa, was even younger, only seventeen or eighteen years old. He had red lips and white teeth, was thin and fair, looked like a virgin, and was lovable.

This boy had grown up being hunted down. When he was one year old, his grandfather and father were killed in the internal strife of the Niwa family. His wet nurse carried him and escaped. After that, he was hunted down by the head of the Niwa family for twelve years.

Five years ago, when Tsukiyama Tomita Castle fell and the Mori family began to hunt down the descendants of the Amago family, he fled to Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto and became a monk there.

But before he could enjoy a few days of peace, three years ago, the sixteen-year-old Amago Katsuhisa was found by Kanosuke and others, who urged him to return to secular life, made him the head of the Amago family, and began a plan to revive the Amago family.

As a result, just a few days after its revival, it was chased by the Maori army and hid in Wenquanjin. Until now, it has not dared to step out of the 40 miles outside Wenquanjin.

Past experiences had made the boy shy and timid. Apart from bowing to greet Zhao Hao, he sat quietly aside, using the excuse that he did not understand Chinese, and focused on watching his dear Onisan talking to the young man from the Celestial Empire who was about the same age as him.

Zhao Hao also focused his attention on Kanosuke, the most loyal man in the Japanese Warring States Period.

It was a pity that the object of his loyalty was not himself, otherwise he could have been cultivated. Master Zhao sighed with a little regret, then smiled and praised Kanosuke for his loyalty and ability, of course mainly his ability.

Even if the object of loyalty is not yourself, it's okay as long as you are capable... Hey, why does this sound weird?

Kanosuke spoke in fake Chinese, thanked Mr. Zhao for sheltering them, and lent the Amago family Iki Island to live in.

"You're welcome. You work very hard at mining. This is the best reward for me." Zhao Hao smiled and treated the two to orange soda.

According to the "Manual of Operations", in order to prevent septicemia, sailors should eat two citrus fruits or drink 200 milliliters of orange juice every day when they go out to sea. As the promulgator, Mr. Zhao must strictly abide by it, but he made it into soda...

Nizi Shengjiu couldn't help but hold the straw in his mouth and take a sip, and his brows were furrowed by the rush.

Kanosuke was so scared that he thought it was poisonous, but luckily he immediately showed a surprised expression and said, "Oh, it seems to be dead, Onii-chan."

Only then did Shikanosuke feel relieved, and turned to Zhao Hao and continued, "I wonder if you understand, Master, that Lord Yuanjiu will soon pass away?"

Young Master Zhao nodded and said, "I heard it from Old Wang... Master Zonglin."

"Our spies in Yoshida-gunyama Castle have received accurate information. He has not shown up since last winter. He is completely dead." The great enemy who destroyed the Amago family is finally going to die. Kanosuke couldn't hide his excitement and said, "Maybe he is dead at this moment."

"So what?" Young Master Zhao asked calmly.

"Master Zonglin, don't you plan to take this opportunity to take revenge?" Kanosuke asked hurriedly.

"You should ask him about this." Zhao Hao said calmly, "But I guess he won't have time to split himself before he deals with the Hizen Bear."

Only then did Kanosuke realize that Master Zhao seemed to have no interest in the life or death of the Western Country's wisest general.

But he never knew what it meant to stop when enough was enough, and he still said stubbornly: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have already contacted the old officials in Shanyin and Shanyang. Please allow us to raise an army and take revenge!"

"I remember that Lord Mori was in poor health two years ago, right?" Zhao Hao asked in return, "When we invaded Kyushu, it was his two sons who led the troops. And when we conquered the Ouchi and Amago armies, it was his grandson who took command."

"Yes, he has been ill for several years." Kanosuke nodded and said, "In the sixth year of Eiroku, which is eight years ago, he had already passed the position of family head to Terumoto."

"That is to say, eight years ago, Lord Mori was preparing for his death. How could you think his death was an opportunity?" Zhao Hao said with a look of disappointment, undermining Kanosuke's confidence: "You can see the crisis of the Mori family, but Yoshikawa Motoharu and Kobayakawa Takakage can't see it? Even if they have the desire to fight, they won't fight among themselves at this time - instead, they will be more united because of internal and external threats. Do you really want to use the heads of those loyal ministers to establish the merit of suppressing the rebellion for Mori Terumoto, and to help him firmly sit on the position of the head of the Mori family?"

"This...Lu Zhijie felt that what Mr. Zhao said made a lot of sense and he couldn't refute it for a while.

"Jinjiro, if you want to realize the dream of restoring your country, you need not only courage but also wisdom to support it!" Master Zhao shouted again.

Jinjiro was Kanosuke's childhood name; Magoshiro was Niwa Katsuhisa's childhood name. Hearing a Ming citizen call out their nicknames, Kanosuke was naturally shocked beyond words.

"Yes." He leaned forward involuntarily to be taught.

"You only have one life, so you must learn to wait. You and Sun Silang are still so young, what is there that you can't wait for? Haven't you heard the story of Gou Jian, King of Yue?" Master Zhao said more earnestly.

"Yes, I will remember your teachings." Shikanosuke said respectfully, "Don't act rashly. Wait for the opportunity."

"That's right, you should focus more on the silver mountain and try to dig up 20 million taels as soon as possible. Without you having to send a single soldier, Iwami Country will belong to Sun Shilang. That's so safe." Young Master Zhao couldn't help but reveal his fox tail.

Just focus on mining, Jinjiro!

ps. This chapter is from yesterday

(End of this chapter)