Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 105 Military Merit
In the Governor's Office, Zhu Lang sat behind the desk, with Qu Shisi and a middle-aged man in military officer's robes sitting below him.
The man was tall and strong, with an elegant face. On his robe was a lion embroidered with gold thread. It was Zheng Wenxiong, the general of Xunzhou.

Although Zheng Wenxiong was conferred the title of Marquis at the same court this time, he was not promoted to the rank of Marquis, but was only promoted to the rank of Deputy Governor of the Left Army Governor's Office and given the title of General.

It can be said that among all the generals in Guangxi Province, Zheng Wenxiong gained the least in this new dynasty.
Li Mingzhong, Jiao Lian, and Chen Bangfu, who is now in prison, all hold the title of marquis, while Zheng Wenxiong only holds the rank of governor-general.
The main reason why Zheng Wenxiong failed to be directly promoted to Marquis was that he had too few soldiers, only one or two thousand.

If this is also to be given as an earl, then Su Guansheng also led 2,000 troops into the court, so shouldn't he also be given an earl?
Since he got the soldiers of Li Mingzhong and Jiao Lian, Zhu Lang's appetite has become bigger and bigger. In the future, if you don't have 7,000 or 8,000 soldiers, don't even think about taking the title of earl from him.

There is actually no difference between titles and banknotes. Once titles are issued indiscriminately, it will cause inflation and become worthless.
As the only supplier of titles in the Ming Dynasty, how could Zhu Lang allow the titles in his hands to depreciate like this?

Zhu Lang glanced at the middle-aged general who looked a little nervous and said softly:
"Has Lord Qu told General Zheng about the situation in Guangxi Province?"

"Yes, Lord Qu has already told me that I can return to Guangxi with you at any time to suppress the remnants of Chen Bangfu's army."

Zheng Wenxiong's face was solemn, and he said in a deep voice
"It is not to suppress the rebellion, but to go to the Gui army to announce the king's order and assist Qu Ge Lao in taking over the Gui army."

"Chen Bangfu was the only one who rebelled and plotted treason out of selfish motives. What does it have to do with the soldiers under his command? All the expenses of the soldiers under his command were provided by the court. The soldiers must be loyal to the court."

"This time you are going with Lord Qu to make this clear to the Guangxi army. I believe that the Guangxi army must be full of loyal people who are loyal to the court."

"This Chen Bangfu knows that his soldiers are loyal to the court and that his secret plot will be difficult to carry out, so he only dares to plot rebellion in Guangdong Province. The Gui army will never be involved in the rebellion. General Zheng, do you understand what I mean?"

Zheng Wenxiong frowned slightly, his eyes showing a thoughtful expression. After a moment, his face became serious and he answered respectfully:
"Yes, I understand. This time I am leading the army to announce the king's order, so that the Gui army will know the power of the court and recognize the true face of Chen Bangfu, the traitor. I will definitely cooperate with Lord Qu to take over the Gui army and pacify the province of Gui."

Zhu Lang saw that Zheng Wenxiong understood what he meant, and he nodded.
He asked Zheng Wenxiong to cooperate with Qu Shisi to take over the Gui army, not to let them shout and kill.

Now that the imperial court is deploying troops, why did Zhu Lang go to so much trouble to include Chen Bangfu in the army? Besides knowing that this man has no stance and there is basically no possibility of winning him over, isn't it more important to keep an eye on the 10,000 soldiers under his command?
Zhu Lang was thinking about the 10,000 Gui troops in Gui Province, but Zheng Wenxiong below hesitated for a moment and took the initiative to speak.
"I came to the court to receive the title this time. I met Chen Bangfu on the way and walked with him for a while."

"But after a conversation with him, I found that Chen Bangfu had a vicious and cunning personality, so I parted ways with him. After arriving in Beijing, I had no contact with Chen Bangfu anymore. Your Highness, please understand."

Zheng Wenxiong had a worried look on his face. Ever since Qu Shisi told him that Chen Bangfu was actually involved in the rebellion, he had been feeling uneasy.

This time he went to the court to receive the title with Chen Bangfu, and he even walked with Chen Bangfu for a while on the way. This was nothing, after all, the court would have no idea what happened on the way.

But the key point is that he also went to see Jiao Lian with Chen Bangfu.
Everyone knows that Jiao Lian, the Marquis of Wu'an, once saved your life and is your most trusted confidant.

The important generals of Guangxi Province participated in the rebellion. He was also a general in Guangxi Province and had traveled with Chen Bangfu. Jiao Lian was very likely to inform His Highness about this.
Rather than hoping that Jiao Lian wouldn't say anything, he might as well speak out directly. After all, he had no connection with Chen Bangfu before, and he wasn't afraid of others investigating.

Zhu Lang looked at Zheng Wenxiong below, and a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes. He glanced at Zheng Wenxiong below and said softly
"Marquis Jiao has already told me about this. On that day, Chen Bangfu spoke treasonously in the army, but General Zheng was able to speak out his loyalty and repel the traitor's evil words. Marquis Jiao also praised General Zheng's loyalty and integrity."

"I dare not. I just couldn't bear to hear that traitor's nonsense. It was only then that I realized Chen Bangfu's wolfish ambitions. After I left Jiao Hou's camp, I parted ways with him."

Zheng Wenxiong suddenly felt a cold sweat on his back, and thought to himself, "As expected!"

Jiao Lian told His Highness about this matter.

If I don't say anything now, His Highness will definitely not say anything more in order to get my help in pacifying Guangxi Province.

But in His Highness's mind, I am afraid that I will be directly labeled as a suspicious person.
Zhu Lang looked at Zheng Wenxiong, who was nervous, and a look of satisfaction flashed across his face.

He thought for a moment, a smile appeared on his face, and then he spoke again
"General Zheng, there is no need to hesitate. Duke Zhang followed Emperor Chengzu to quell the rebellion and fought against the Mongols in the north, making great contributions to the country. General Zheng is a descendant of the Zhang family, and his family has been loyal for generations. How could I have any doubts about you?"

Since Zhu Lang was planning to ask Zheng Wenxiong to help pacify Guangxi Province, why wouldn't he investigate this person first?
However, this investigation revealed that Zheng Wenxiong was not only of noble birth, but his ancestor was actually a duke.

But this ancestor is too far away. Zheng Wenxiong is the eighth-generation grandson of Zheng Heng, the Duke of Zhang.

The Zheng family has long lost its former glory. Even Zheng Wenxiong, a descendant of a noble family, has only been a lieutenant general for so many years.
When Zheng Wenxiong heard the words "Duke of Zhang" from His Highness' mouth, his face suddenly became excited.

The Zheng family has been a family of honor for generations, and everyone in the family is proud of their ancestor Zheng Heng. Almost everyone in the Zheng family has listened to the elders in the family telling stories about their ancestor since they can remember.

These nobles of the Ming Dynasty have been supported by the imperial court for generations. It is not an exaggeration to say that they have been blessed by the emperor for generations. These nobles know where their special treatment comes from, and naturally they also publicize the achievements of their ancestors on weekdays.
My ancestors made great contributions to the court, so it is only right that I enjoy the court's favor.
If you don't accept it, you can ask your ancestors to make contributions to the court.

Although these people who spread the rumor may not be loyal to the court, as it has been spread from generation to generation, some of the children of these noble families will naturally believe it and be loyal to the court.

Zhu Lang looked at Zheng Wenxiong who suddenly became excited, and he also vaguely understood Zheng Wenxiong's temperament. His eyes rolled, and then he continued to speak
"The world is in turmoil now, it is the time for military officials to make achievements and establish their careers." "A real man should achieve fame and honor immediately. The Duke of Zhang is a hero, but General Zheng is also a good general for the country. How can modern people be inferior to the ancients?"

"General Zheng should work hard on himself. If you can help the court repel the Eastern Tartars and revive the country, I will not be stingy with your reward."

Zhu Lang's face straightened up as he looked at Zheng Wenxiong below.
"My ancestors were very talented and wise. I dare not compare myself with them, but I will do my best to train the soldiers and help Your Highness eliminate the Eastern Tartars and revitalize our Ming Dynasty."

Zheng Wenxiong looked excited. He suddenly bowed deeply to His Royal Highness the Regent above him and spoke solemnly.

He grew up listening to the stories of Zhang Guogong in his clan, so he resolutely joined the army.
However, the Zheng family had already declined by the time of his generation. He had been fighting in the army for a long time, but he was only a lieutenant general.

But as His Highness said, the country is in turmoil now, and it is a good time for these military officials to make contributions.
Now that he has gained the attention of His Highness, as long as he makes more contributions, he will be able to restore the glory of his ancestors!
Zhu Lang looked at Zheng Wenxiong who was already excited below, and a smile flashed across his face.

I guess what Zheng Wenxiong wants is to restore the prestige of his ancestors. I have dangled this carrot in front of him, so he should not need any additional incentives.
Zhu Lang thought of this and stopped hesitating. He spoke to Zheng Wenxiong below.

"The two thousand soldiers in the court will be fully trained in the afternoon. General Zheng should go down and prepare first, and then he will set off with Lord Qu to return to Guangxi Province in the afternoon."

"Guizhou is the rear of Guangdong. If Guangxi is safe, Guangdong will be safe. If Guangdong is safe, the court will be safe. I will entrust Guangxi to the general."

His Highness the Regent had a serious look on his face.
"I understand. I will fully cooperate with Mr. Qu to pacify Guangxi Province and will never allow unrest to occur in Guangxi Province."

Zheng Wenxiong also looked serious and spoke in a deep voice

Zheng Wenxiong saw Qu Shisi standing beside him and knew that His Highness must have something to tell Qu Shisi, so he bowed again and then left the room.

Zhu Lang looked at Zheng Wenxiong's receding back with a thoughtful look in his eyes. He did not remember Zheng Wenxiong.

Zheng Wenxiong is not well-known in later generations, but in fact he is a rare brave general of this era
In the previous life, after Li Chengdong conquered Shaowu, Yongli fled to Guangxi Province in a hurry, and Zheng Wenxiong was summoned to the court.
Soon after, Li Chengdong invaded Guangxi Province again. Except for Qu Shisi who held on to Guilin, all other places in Guangxi surrendered. Only Zheng Wenxiong led his troops to fight several bloody battles with Li Chengdong's troops, with both sides winning and losing.
After Li Chengdong's rebellion was defeated, the Qing army sent Geng Zhongming and others to invade Guangdong Province again.

Upon learning of the Qing army's attack, Yongli once again abandoned Guangdong and fled to Guangxi. Geng Zhongming led his troops in pursuit, and Li Chengdong's general Luo Chengyao fled directly. It was Zheng Wenxiong who led his troops in a bloody battle and killed Geng Zhongming's pursuers, thus covering Yongli's successful escape to Guangxi.
After that, the imperial court moved several times, to Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and the central government. Zheng Wenxiong's soldiers became fewer and fewer, but he always led the army to guard the central government.

After Li Dingguo's defeat, the imperial court fled to Burma again, which was also the last stop of Yongli's escape.

At that time, Wu Sangui led his army to pursue the Qing army. Seeing that the Qing army was approaching, Zheng Wenxiong took the initiative to lead the last thousand soldiers under his command to cover the retreat.

Zheng Wenxiong was surrounded by the Qing army. He led his troops in a bloody battle from day to night. After a night of fighting, Zheng Wenxiong was seriously injured and died. His wife Xia and son Zheng Tong committed suicide. More than a thousand soldiers in the army died.

The sacrifice of Zheng Wenxiong and others finally won a glimmer of hope for Yongli and others, and also allowed Yongli and others to successfully escape to Burma. However, after that, no one could protect the center anymore.

Soon after Yongli entered Burma, he was captured by the Burmese king and sent to the Qing court. Yongli was killed by the Qing court, and the Ming Dynasty was destroyed.
There were too many such people in the Southern Ming Dynasty. Even a famous general like Zheng Wenxiong remained unknown in later generations. Except for some records in the handwritings of some survivors, ordinary people would never see their names.

There are many more people who are only recorded as the students of a certain county who rose up in arms and died in a certain year and month, without even leaving their names, and thus disappear in history.
In his previous life, Zheng Wenxiong was unknown, so Zhu Lang naturally didn't remember him.
He chose Zheng Wenxiong to help pacify Guangxi Province, and it was not because he knew that this man was a loyal minister.

The reason why Zhu Lang chose Zheng Wenxiong was not because of Jiao Lian's recommendation, nor because Zheng Wenxiong was a descendant of the Duke of Zhang, a noble relative of the family.

Although Zheng Wenxiong refuted Chen Bangfu in Jiao Lian's army, how can a mere remark at a table prove one's loyalty?

As for the descendants of nobles, that is even more nonsense. Their ancestors were indeed loyal and upright officials, but that was their ancestor. What does it have to do with them?

Do you really think that their ancestors were loyal ministers, and that they are also loyal ministers? Do you really think that their generation has been blessed by the emperor, and that they will be loyal to the Ming Dynasty?
Xu Da was loyal enough, wasn't he? The Xu family was loyal enough to the country. When the Qing army came, they surrendered, didn't they?

Zhu Lang chose Zheng Wenxiong to help pacify Guangxi Province. In addition to the fact that he was a general of Guangxi Province and was familiar with the internal affairs of Guangxi Province, a more important reason was that he had a small number of soldiers, only one or two thousand.

Qu Shisi will not return to Guangxi empty-handed this time, but will bring 2,000 troops from the court back to Guangxi Province.

These two thousand elite Gui troops are the biggest reliance of the imperial court on this trip. Zheng Wenxiong is just assisting them to boost their momentum.
Zheng Wenxiong already knew that the court had reorganized the Guangdong Army. The court had 30,000 troops in its hands, and Qu Shisi had 2,000 soldiers to defend him. As long as Zheng Wenxiong's brain was not broken, he would know what to do.
Zhu Lang thought about this and felt that there shouldn't be any problem with the arrangement of Guangxi Province, so he looked at Qu Shisi who was sitting below.

He had already told Qu Shisi about these things a long time ago. If he just wanted to give him some instructions, there was no need to call Qu Shisi over.

He asked Qu Shisi to come this time because he had another more important matter to discuss with Qu Shisi.

(End of this chapter)