Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 106 Recommendation
In the Governor's Office, Zhu Lang put aside the affairs of Guangxi Province and looked at Qu Shisi below.

"Lord Qu has been in charge of Guangxi for a long time. No one in the court is more familiar with the situation in Guangxi than Lord Qu. I will not say more about the affairs of Guangxi."

"I have invited you here this time because I have something else to discuss with you."

"The reason why the King of Tang was able to reach Guangdong Province this time was because a Fuzhou garrison named Lin Cha protected him all the way, which allowed the King of Tang and his clan members to escape from Fuzhou."

"This Lin Cha is an old general of Zheng Zhilong. I met him yesterday and learned about the situation in Fujian Province after the fall of Fuzhou. What I want to discuss with Lord Qu today is precisely the affairs of Fujian Province..."

Zhu Lang spoke in a deep voice, and then he told the story of Zheng Zhilong's abandonment of Fuzhou and his retreat to Anping, the disagreement within the Zheng family on surrendering to the Qing Dynasty, and the judgment that Zheng Zhilong had not surrendered to the Qing Dynasty at this time. Qu Shisi, who was sitting below, also frowned and listened to Zhu Lang's introduction silently.
After explaining the attitudes of the various parties within the Zheng family and generals from other families such as Shi Fu, Zhu Lang finally concluded:

"Although Zheng Zhilong intended to surrender to the Qing Dynasty, even his close associates such as Zheng Hongkui did not agree with him, which shows the great divisions within the Zheng family."

"Zheng Zhilong will certainly not be able to settle the internal differences within the Zheng family in a short period of time. Therefore, I conclude that Zheng Zhilong should not have formally surrendered to the Qing Dynasty at this time. What do you think, Lord Qu?"

"Your Highness is wise. If what Lin Cha said is true, Zheng Zhilong should not have surrendered to the Qing Dynasty yet, otherwise he would not have had to lead his troops back to Anping. His abandonment of Fuzhou was not only a surrender to the Qing army, but I'm afraid he also wanted to force people within the Zheng family," Qu Shisi said in a deep voice.

"I share the same view. Fuzhou is the capital of Fujian Province, where the people's hearts are. If Fujian Province loses this great city, the people will inevitably be in chaos."

"Even if those in the Zheng clan wanted to hold on, they didn't know how to do it. And outside, Zheng Zhilong was determined to advocate surrender to the Qing Dynasty. I'm afraid that in the end, they would have no choice but to agree with Zheng Zhilong's proposal to surrender to the Qing Dynasty."

"But this also shows that the divisions within the Zheng family on surrendering to the Qing were so great that even Zheng Zhilong could not force it through with his own prestige."

"This leaves Zheng Zhilong with no choice but to resort to this last resort. I have decided to immediately send an envoy to Fujian Province to retain the loyal ministers within the Zheng family. What do you think, Lord?"

"Your Highness is wise, I have no opinion."

Qu Shisi thought for a moment and then said

However, when he looked at His Royal Highness the Regent above him, a trace of doubt flashed across his face. This matter was indeed a big deal, but he was about to go to Guangxi Province, let alone Fujian Province. He might not be able to handle the affairs of the court in a short period of time.
His Majesty the Regent specially called him to talk about the Fujian Province incident. What was his intention?
"Your Highness wants to send people to Fujian to recruit Zheng's troops," Qu Shisi said softly.
"That's right. Since there are still people in the Zheng clan who are loyal to the imperial court, we naturally cannot let these people be coerced by Zheng Zhilong. I am going to send a special envoy to Fujian to recruit Zheng's military generals!"

Zhu Lang's eyes flashed with a fierce look. He knew that Zheng Zhilong was determined to surrender to the Qing Dynasty, and he had no hope for this man.

Even his own son couldn't persuade him. How could he, a regent who had only been on the throne for a few days, have the confidence to persuade Zheng Zhilong?

But just because Zheng Zhilong couldn't recruit them doesn't mean that others can't recruit them. The Zheng family has hundreds of thousands of troops under their command, so even if they can recruit tens of thousands of people, that would be good.

This is not just a matter of tens of thousands of people. If the imperial court recruits tens of thousands of people, the Qing army will be short of tens of thousands of people, and even tens of thousands of people will have to be allocated to guard against the Zheng army who defected to the Ming Dynasty. This back and forth is enough to counteract more than 100,000 troops!
"Does Lord Qu have a candidate who can serve as a special envoy? This person must be capable enough, and more importantly, must be loyal."

Zhu Lang looked at Qu Shisi below and asked without hesitation.

The affairs of Fujian Province were of great importance, and he had no available manpower, so he could only ask Qu Shisi for help.

The people under his command who were trustworthy were not qualified to be the special envoys, and he had other people who were qualified to be the special envoys.

Li Chengzhi, Wu Jisi and others can certainly be trusted, but their identities are definitely not enough to be the main envoy.

The court would never allow a military man to serve as a special envoy. This was against the court's rules. When the people of Fujian Province saw a special envoy who was a military man, they would probably question the court's sincerity.

The only person under Zhu Lang who was trustworthy and qualified was Chen Bangyan, but Chen Bangyan was now stationed in Guangzhou, and the court would move to Guangzhou in a few days. At this time, there was no way to transfer Chen Bangyan away.
When Qu Shisi heard the words of His Royal Highness the Regent, a look of understanding flashed across his face, but then a hint of doubt appeared on his face.

He originally wanted to recommend someone directly, but after thinking for a moment, he let out a breath and said softly

"The situation in Fujian Province is complicated now. Zheng has hundreds of thousands of soldiers under his command, which is no joke. The candidate for this special envoy must be someone who is familiar with the internal situation of Fujian Province."

"I have never been to Fujian during the Longwu Dynasty, and my subordinates don't know much about Fujian. Elder Lu and Elder He were both important officials in Fujian during the Longwu Dynasty, so they must know more about the personnel and affairs of Fujian. Your Highness may be able to find talents from Elder Lu."

Qu Shisi spoke softly, but as soon as he finished speaking, His Royal Highness the Regent waved his hand.

"No, of course we need someone who knows Fujian Province well. The court will also send officials from Longwu to accompany us, but these people cannot be the main envoys."

Zhu Lang had a resolute look on his face. He looked at Qu Shisi, who looked a little puzzled, and continued to speak.

"The situation in Fujian Province is uncertain right now, and the army under Zheng's command is extremely important to the court, so the power of this envoy will be very great. If necessary, he can even directly confer titles on cabinet ministers and dukes."

"The candidate for this envoy must not have any connection with Fujian Province. Lord Qu may understand this." Qu Shisi listened to Zhu Lang's words and quickly realized that His Highness the Regent was probably ready to spend a lot of money to hold back Zheng's army.
According to His Highness, this special envoy can even appoint cabinet ministers. In this case, naturally, he cannot choose someone who has connections with Fujian Province.

If you choose someone who has connections with Fujian Province, who knows who this person will end up appointing as a cabinet minister?
The reason why His Highness decided to give out official titles in Fujian Province was to win over Zheng's army to resist the Qing army, not to make a fortune by giving it to others privately.

At this time, looking at the court, the most suitable person is the one under his command.

It goes without saying that Lu Daqi and He Wuzuo were important officials of Fujian Province during the Longwu period. The people under their command must have had a thousand connections with the Zheng family. Looking at Su Guansheng, he was also an official of the Longwu court.

Chen Zizhuang did not have much connection with the Longwu Dynasty. Although he was also a Grand Secretary in the Longwu Dynasty, he never went to Fujian Province to take up his post.

But between Chen Zizhuang and himself, His Highness obviously trusted himself more. More importantly, Chen Zizhuang had never served in the government since the Longwu period, so I'm afraid he didn't have any decent people under his command.
Thinking of this, Qu Shixi no longer hesitated and said

"Since Your Highness has asked, I dare not refuse. I recommend Zhang Tongchang, a doctor in the Ministry of War."

Zhang Tongchang was originally placed in the Ministry of War by Qu Shisi as the chief. With the elimination of Ding Kuichu, there were many vacancies in the two ministries. As a close confidant of Qu Shisi, Zhang Tongchang was naturally promoted to a higher level, from chief to doctor.

"I recommend this person not because he is a disciple of an old minister, but because he comes from a famous family. His great-grandfather is Zhang Taiyue, the chief minister of the Shenzong Dynasty..."

Zhu Lang was stunned for a moment when he heard what Qu Shisi said, and then he suddenly said
"Zhang Taiyue is Zhang Juzheng"

"It is Zhang Jiangling. Zhang Tongchang is the eldest grandson of Zhang Taiyue," Qu Shisi replied.

He was still a little vague about Zhang Taiyue, but with the qualification of Shenzong, he suddenly remembered

The chief minister of the Shenzong Dynasty was also named Zhang. Isn't this Zhang Juzheng?
Although Zhu Lang looked a little surprised, he didn't say much.

Zhang Juzheng was certainly a capable official and had a great reputation, but what did this have to do with Zhang Tongchang? As I said before, what does your ancestors' greatness have to do with you?

What he wants now is someone who can get things done right away. The Ninth Rank has been abandoned for hundreds of years.

Even so, Zhu Lang has already begun to favor this person.
He glanced at Qu Shisi, who looked calm below him. After hearing what Qu Shisi said, he vaguely remembered this person.

If he remembered correctly, in his previous life, after the Qing army conquered Guilin, the people in the city either fled or surrendered. In the end, it seemed that only Zhang Tongchang and Qu Shisi died together for their country.

After the city was broken, the two were imprisoned in the government office. They wrote poems to each other across the cell. Three days later, they were killed by Kong Youde and both died for their country.
Seeing His Highness's look, Qu Shisi had no idea what His Highness the Regent was thinking. He just thought that His Highness the Regent was doubting that he had recommended a private person. However, there was no hesitation on his face, and he continued to speak.
"The Zhang family has been loyal for generations. After the Western bandits captured Jiangling, they heard of Zhang Taiyue's name and wanted to ask the Zhang family to join the rebellion and serve as officials. However, Zhang Taiyue's fifth son, Zhang Yunxiu, refused to obey and committed suicide for his country. This shows the Zhang family's style."

"Zhang Tongchang has been with me for several years, and I know him very well. Although he is still a little immature when it comes to experience, he also has some promising qualities."

"As for his character, I can guarantee with my own heart that he is honest and loyal to the court. He will never do anything private and ruin your plans," Qu Shisi said with a firm look on his face.

"Master Qu, there is no need to be like this. Since he is Master Qu's disciple, he must be a loyal and upright official in the court."

"Since Lord Qu has recommended me, let's temporarily appoint Zhang Tongchang. I will meet him first. If there is no problem, I will use him as my envoy." Zhu Lang looked at Qu Shisi who stood up to salute and waved his hand.
Zhu Lang had already made up his mind at this time, so he stopped thinking about it.
There must be more than one envoy from Fujian Province this time. He has only one requirement for the chief envoy, that is, absolute loyalty and the ability to be impartial and confer the official position to the person who is most beneficial to the situation. This is the most important point for the chief envoy.

Apart from this, ability is secondary. After all, given the current situation in Fujian Province, who dares to say that he is absolutely sure that he can persuade Zheng to surrender?
At this time, Qu Shisi had already sat back in his seat. Zhu Lang looked at Qu Shisi, whose face was still solemn, and said again
"The situation in Fujian Province is unpredictable. Even the fact that Zheng Zhilong has not surrendered to the Qing Dynasty is just our guess. It is possible that Zheng Zhilong has already led his troops to surrender to the Qing Dynasty."

"I am only trying my best to do this. If it succeeds, I will be happy. If it fails, there is no need to be upset. Your Excellency, do not worry about this matter."

"The most important thing for you now is to smoothly take over Chen Bangfu's 10,000 Gui troops. This is a matter of great importance to the foundation of the court."

"I understand. With two thousand imperial guards supporting us and Zheng Wenxiong assisting us, I will definitely not allow turmoil in Guangxi Province again," Qu Shisi said in a deep voice.

"The army in the court should be ready this afternoon. The sooner the Gui army's affairs are dealt with, the sooner the court can be stable. The elder should give instructions to Zhang Tongchang and lead the army to set off this afternoon."

"The affairs of Guangxi Province are all entrusted to you, Mr.

Zhu Lang's face also became serious, and he said in a deep voice

"I, your Highness, will certainly pacify Guangxi and live up to the trust placed in me by the court."

Qu Shisi looked serious. He stood up and bowed to His Majesty above him. Then he resolutely turned around and walked out the door without a trace of hesitation on his face.

(End of this chapter)