Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 181 King's Seal
In the lobby of Zheng's mansion, the guards of both sides confronted each other, and the situation in the hall suddenly became tense.
Liu Xiangke walked up to Zhang Tongchang and whispered a few words. When Zhang Tongchang learned that this person was Zheng Cai, his brows slightly frowned. He wondered why this person was so hostile to them.
Although Zhang Tongchang was puzzled, he remained calm on the surface. He just stood aside and watched the two Zheng

Zheng Cai saw that his personal guards were stopped, and his face darkened. After a moment of silence, he looked at Zheng Hongkui and spoke in a cold voice.

"What? You arranged a few people of unknown origin, put on a few sets of clothes, and you are going to create a Gui Regent?"

"If I also find someone to wear a few sets of official uniforms, will you also recognize another regent, Zheng Hongkui, do you really think we are fools?"

The generals were stunned when they heard this, but then they immediately understood what Zheng Cai meant. Zheng Cai suspected that these people were arranged by Zheng Hongkui, and that the Gui Regent was also fabricated by Zheng Hongkui.
Zheng Hongkui heard this, but his face was calm, and he was about to speak

But before he could say anything, a voice came from below

"I haven't seen you for years. I didn't expect that Lord Yongsheng still has such a bad temper."

"Back then, Earl Yongsheng was ordered to go out of the pass to recover Jiangxi, but he held his troops back before Shan Pass and was stripped of his title by the late emperor. Liu was also impeached in the memorial. Does Earl Yongsheng still remember Liu Xiangke, the Imperial Censor of Shanxi Province?"

Liu Xiangke walked into the hall with a smile on his face and looked at Zheng Cai

Zheng Cai was also stunned when he heard this. He hadn't noticed it before, but now the more he looked at this person, the more familiar he felt.

Who else could that official in the blue robe be but Liu Xiangke, the censor of the Supervisory Office of the Longwu Dynasty?
It was Liu Xiangke, the bastard, who impeached him together with Jin Bao and other civil officials, which led to him losing the title of Earl of Yongsheng. How could he forget Liu Xiangke, the evil villain?

At this moment, Zheng Cai recognized Liu Xiangke, and her heart suddenly sank.

If Liu Xiangke could appear in the delegation, then what these people said was very likely true.

Zheng Hongkui could never bribe Liu Xiangke to act in a play. The former officials of Longwu actually set up a regent in Guangdong Province.

Zheng Hongkui, Shi Fu and others above looked at Liu Xiangke in the field and recognized Liu Xiangke's identity.
Shi Fu and others were all qualified to be in the imperial court during the Longwu period, but Liu Xiangke was famous for his daring attitude. Whenever there was a major event in the court, Liu Xiangke would always rush to the front, and they also had an impression of Liu Xiangke.
Zheng Cai below hadn't figured out how to respond yet, but at this moment, another person from the delegation stood up.

Lin Cha glanced at the generals on the field, and then spoke softly

"I am Lin Cha, the garrison commander of Fuzhou. I can prove what Lord Zhang said. Now Lord Lu and Guangdong and Guangxi, as well as several provinces in the southwest, have all accepted Gui as the regent of the court."

"When the Qing invaders attacked Fuzhou, I escorted the late emperor's brother, Prince Tang, across the sea to Guangdong Province. Now, Prince Tang has also respected Gui as the regent and served as the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan in the court."

When everyone in the field saw Lin Cha, they were immediately surprised. Not many people in Zheng's army recognized Liu Xiangke, a civil official, but many recognized Lin Cha, because he was a middle-level general in Zheng's army like them.
When they heard Lin Cha show up to confirm it, everyone immediately believed in Gui Jianguo.

Zhou Hezhi stood in the crowd and saw Lin Cha, who was wearing a Feiyu suit and nodded slightly to him. He was shocked.
He had never expected that Lin Cha, who had just escaped back to Anping and found him in his residence a few days ago, was actually a member of the envoy of the Gui Regent.

Zhou Hezhi saw Lin Cha just nodded slightly, then looked away, his heart moved, and then he stood in the crowd calmly, watching the situation on the field.
At this time, Zhang Tongchang spoke again

"This is a letter from Lü Daqi, Lü Gelao, Li Yongmao, Taichang Temple Minister Wu Zhenyu and other officials of Longwu. You have explained the reasons in it, and you can also check it."

Zhang Tongchang took out a few letters from his sleeve, and the letters were quickly handed to Zheng Hongkui, Shi Fu and others above.

When Zheng Hongkui, Zheng Cai and others saw the official seals, they no longer had any doubts in their hearts. They finally confirmed the location of Guangdong Province. At this time, another orthodox Ming Dynasty official seal appeared.

The letter passed through the hands of Shi Fu and others, and then returned to Zhang Tongchang.
At this time, everyone in the Zheng family was silent. Even Zheng Cai sat on the side with a gloomy look. The sudden appearance of Gui Jianguo really caught them off guard.

Zhang Tongchang glanced at the crowd, but ignored them. His eyes turned and he spoke loudly:
"When the country was in turmoil, Duke Ping led a brigade of troops to defend Fujian Province and protect our Han territory. His contribution was truly invaluable."

"His Royal Highness Gui, the Regent, was deeply moved when he learned about Duke Ping's situation."

"Your Highness once said that it was because of pillars like Duke Ping that the Ming Dynasty had hope for restoration. So, despite the opposition of the ministers in the court, Your Highness decided to promote Duke Ping to Prince of Yanping, and to make the title hereditary to honor his integrity and meritorious service."

"I have brought the royal seal and imperial edict today. Where is Duke Ping now? Please come and receive the edict."

Upon hearing this, the generals in the hall were shocked at first, and then they all looked at the empty throne above with strange expressions.

Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, no living person of a different surname has ever been able to be crowned a king. Even Xu Da, a founding hero, was only posthumously crowned a king. Now, Gui Jianguo has broken the ancestral system and directly promoted Zheng Zhilong to the title of king. This favor is indeed great.
But the more this happened, the more strange the expressions of the people below became, because this pillar of the Ming Dynasty that Gui Jianguo had hoped for had already taken the initiative to go to Fuzhou to surrender to the Qing Dynasty.
If Gui Jianguo knew what Zheng Zhilong was doing, I wonder how he would react.

Zheng Cai below sneered upon hearing this, and looked at Zheng Hongkui above with a playful look.

Zheng Hongkui's heart sank when he saw everyone looking at him. Zheng Chenggong, who was standing beside him, had a red face, lowered his head, clenched his hands, and trembled all over.

The imperial court had been so generous to him that even the reward of being crowned a king had been given, but his father had surrendered to the Qing Dynasty. This really made Zheng Chenggong feel so ashamed that he wanted to flee the hall.
Zheng Hongkui looked at Zhang Tongchang below, his face suddenly became stern. He subconsciously thought that Zhang Tongchang knew that Zheng Zhilong had surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, so he brought out this special reward in order to completely defeat Zheng Zhilong morally.

So Zheng Hongkui also spoke directly

"The imperial court has never granted a person of a different surname a title of king. Lord Zhang suddenly came to the palace and said he would be granted a title of king. I find it hard to believe. May I ask Lord Zhang if I can see the royal seal bestowed by the imperial court?"

Zheng Hongkui stared at Zhang Tongchang closely, trying to find any hesitation on his face, but Zhang Tongchang did not hesitate at all and directly called a Jinyiwei behind him to the front.
Zhang Tongchang bowed to the carved lacquer box on the tray, then took out the gold seal from the box and placed it horizontally on the tray.

Zhang Tongchang waved his hand, and the Jinyiwei held the tray and displayed it in the hall, and all the generals in the field also leaned over to look.

Zheng Hongkui looked at the six characters of Yanping County Prince's Seal engraved in ancient seal script on the golden seal, and his face turned pale. He no longer had any hope.
The golden seal was obviously made by a famous artist, and it was definitely not made in a hurry.

In other words, this was not a forgery after Zhang Tongchang and his men arrived in Anping and learned that Zheng Zhilong had surrendered to the Qing Dynasty. Instead, the Gui Regent court was really planning to confer the title of king on the Zheng family.
When Zheng Hongkui thought of this, he became even more angry. Why did Zheng Zhilong refuse to listen to his advice and insisted on joining the Qing court?

If Zheng Zhilong had not surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, his Zheng family would have owned Fujian Province and enjoyed the title of king. Wouldn't Zheng Zhilong be satisfied with such wealth? Why did he want to surrender to the Qing court and have such unreasonable thoughts?

At this time, all the generals in the hall saw the glittering golden seal and no longer had any doubts in their hearts. At the same time, they also quietly felt a little contempt for Zheng Zhilong. This had nothing to do with whether they were Zheng's generals or not. It was just the most instinctive moral judgment.

During the Ming dynasty, Zheng Zhilong was treated with great favor, and was promoted to the rank of duke, marquis, and now even given the throne. However, Zheng Zhilong was the first to lead the Zheng family to rebel against the Ming and surrender to the Qing. Anyone can see who is the unjust party.

Shi Fu and other generals also shook their heads slightly at this time, and then everyone looked up at Zheng Hongkui, wanting to see how the current head of the Zheng family would respond.
The imperial court was going to confer the title of king on the Zheng family, but the man from the Zheng family who was to be conferred the title of king surrendered to the Qing Dynasty. Just thinking about this kind of thing makes people feel embarrassed.
Zheng Hongkui forced a smile on his face, stood up and bowed to Zhang Tongchang, then spoke

"This is unfortunate. My brother is currently... currently leading troops to inspect the army outside. He is not in the city at this moment and cannot receive the order for the time being."

Zheng Hongkui tried to find an excuse. Except for Zheng Cai who sneered, the other generals were silent, but their faces were more and more contemptuous. Zheng Chenggong kept looking down at the ground, not even daring to raise his head.

"Really? It's such a coincidence?"

"It seems that I came at the wrong time."

"In that case, let's discuss the matter of crowning the king later."

Zheng Hongkui originally thought that Zhang Tongchang would ask more questions, but he didn't expect that Zhang Tongchang just said one sentence and actually put away the royal seal and directly revealed the matter. Zheng Hongkui looked at Zhang Tongchang below with some surprise, but when he saw the meaningful look in Zhang Tongchang's eyes, his heart sank immediately.

He knew that Zhang Tongchang probably already knew about Zheng Zhilong's surrender to the Qing Dynasty. When Zheng Zhilong left the city that day, there was a lot of noise. Now everyone with a little status in the city knew about it. It was impossible to hide it from someone with ulterior motives.

The reason why Zhang Tongchang showed the royal seal even though he knew Zheng Zhilong surrendered to the Qing Dynasty was very clear. He wanted to tell the generals of the Zheng family that the court did not owe Zheng Zhilong anything, but it was Zheng Zhilong who owed the court.

It can be said that Zhang Tongchang's actions were no different from Zheng Cai's, and even more ruthless than Zheng Cai. Zhang Tongchang wanted to show the sincerity of Gui's court to Zheng's generals and undermine Zheng Zhilong's prestige.

But Zheng Hongkui knew this, but he couldn't find a good way to save the situation.
Because the imperial seal and imperial edict prepared by Gui Jianguo's court were all genuine, as long as Zheng Zhilong did not surrender, then the Zheng family would really have a prince, and he would have endless grace and honor.
There was a moment of silence in the hall, but Lin Cha suddenly walked up to Zhang Tongchang and whispered something to him.
Zhang Tongchang heard this and then he noticed the young man in a long shirt with his head down on the left.
Zhang Tongchang's eyes turned slightly, and he glanced at Zheng Chenggong on his left. Suddenly he spoke softly.

"The previous emperor conferred the name, and the success of the surname can be found in"

Everyone in the field was stunned when they heard this, and then they realized that it was Zheng Chenggong who was talking. Everyone's eyes were focused on the young man above.

Zheng Chenggong finally raised his head and bowed to Zhang Tongchang.

"I am honored to be favored by the late emperor, and I have successfully been granted a surname."

Zhang Tongchang looked at the young man in front of him with a face full of shame, his eyes seemed to be thinking about something, but his mouth kept talking.

"When I came here, His Highness gave me instructions."

"Your Highness once said that the late emperor had seen such people. Zheng's father and son were valued by the late emperor. They must be rare loyal and righteous ministers in the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, Your Highness has rewarded both of you."

Zheng Chenggong felt even more ashamed when he heard what Zhang Tongchang said. He lowered his head tightly and dared not look at Zhang Tongchang.
Zheng Hongkui was furious when he saw that Zhang Tongchang was still trying to undermine the prestige of the Zheng family.
But before he could say anything, Zhang Tongchang's face turned serious and he said in a deep voice
"His Highness the Regent originally wanted to confer the title of Prince of Yanping on your father, and then confer the title of Governor of Fujian Province. In this way, you two, one civil and one military, can unify the military and political affairs of Fujian Province and fight the enemy with all your strength."

"His Highness regards your Zheng family as the pillar of the Southern Kingdom and originally wanted to entrust the entire Fujian Province to you and your son, but your father is now obviously unable to take care of things."

"Are you willing to take the post of Governor of Fujian Province, succeed your father, and continue to govern Fujian Province for the imperial court?"

The generals in the field were also shocked when they heard this. This Gui Regent was really sincere in trying to win over the Zheng family.
One prince was not enough, and a governor of Fujian Province was added. If Zheng Zhilong had not surrendered to the Qing Dynasty at this time, Fujian Province would have really become the jurisdiction of the Zheng family.
In the future, all the gentry and military officials in the province will probably have to obey the Zheng family. The Prince of Yanping in the Zheng family can be directly renamed the Prince of Fujian.
Zheng Chenggong looked at the red-robed official who was staring at him, and felt his blood boiling. He raised his head and was about to agree, but someone reacted faster than him.
"No!"

Two voices spoke in unison, almost at the same time, interrupting Zheng Chenggong's reply.
The generals in the field looked at Zheng Hongkui and Zheng Cai who stood up at the same time, with different expressions on their faces.

Zheng Cai looked at Zheng Hongkui who stood up at the same time as her. Her eyes turned and she immediately realized that the most anxious ones now were not herself, but Zheng Hongkui and the Zheng family!

Zheng Cai thought of this, so she sat back down and said nothing.

Zheng Hongkui saw Zheng Cai below who was silent, and his face was gloomy. But after a moment of silence, he finally had to speak.

Zheng Chenggong's enthronement was certainly disadvantageous to Zheng Cai, but it was the Zheng family that was in a real dilemma.
This Zheng family does not refer to Shi Fu, Zheng Tai, Huang Ting and others, but Zheng Hongkui, Zheng Zhibao, Zheng Chenggong and Zheng Zhilong, the real Zheng family members.

"Master Zhang knows the situation in the city very well. I'm sure Master Zhang knows that the situation in the Zheng family is extremely complicated right now."

"Chenggong is the eldest son of our Zheng family, and his status is extraordinary. Whether Chenggong will be appointed as the governor of Gui is still under discussion by our Zheng family. Please do not force him, Master Zhang."

"Damu, this concerns the safety of everyone in the clan, please don't interrupt."

When Zheng Hongkui said this, he looked at Zheng Chenggong who was about to protest with a stern look, and then, without waiting for Zheng Chenggong to speak, he looked at Zhang Tongchang again.
Zheng Hongkui's eyes flashed, and he said

"Master Zhang may not know that Zheng Cai is now under the command of the Lu Regent. Like Master Zhang, Zheng Cai is now also the special envoy of the Lu Regent."

Zhang Tongchang's expression changed immediately when he heard this, and then he looked down at Zheng Cai
Zhang Tongchang also understood in an instant why Zheng Cai had such an attitude towards him and his group just now.
Zheng Cai has already joined the Lu Jianguo army, and today he hurriedly summoned all the generals. It is obvious that he has the same idea as him. The Lu Jianguo party obviously has the same plan as them, and also wants to take advantage of Zheng Zhilong's absence to win over and split the Zheng generals.
When Zheng Cai saw the looks from Zhang Tongchang and the others, he snorted coldly.

Zheng Hongkui looked at the two parties confronting each other below, and felt relieved.

He pointed out Zheng Cai's identity at this time in order to provoke an internal fight between Zheng Cai and Zhang Tongchang and others, buying time for the Zheng family.

However, Zheng Hongkui felt gloomy when he saw Shi Fu and other generals watching from below.

At this time, he seemed to be using the sudden appearance of Gui Jianguo and Lu Jianguo to check and balance each other, but in fact, for the Zheng family, this was simply drinking poison to quench thirst.

In fact, both parties were eyeing Zheng's army covetously. With the emergence of these two regent forces representing the orthodox Ming court, the Zheng family's non-Zheng generals had more choices. I'm afraid that the Zheng family can no longer suppress Shi Fu and other non-Zheng generals.

When Zheng Hongkui thought of this, he became more and more anxious, but his face remained calm. He said

"Today, two regents suddenly arrived. One is the Gui Regent whom we have never heard of before, and the other is the Lu Regent whose whereabouts are unknown. We don't know the situation of either of you, let alone the reward. Why don't you go back for the time being and let us, the generals of the Zheng family, discuss it first? Is that okay?"

"General Shi, General Huang, General Yang, the situation is complicated right now, and the Duke has not returned yet. This matter is of great importance. Zheng thinks that we need to take a long-term view at this time. What do you think?"

When Shi Fu and the others heard what Zheng Hongkui said, their faces changed slightly. How could they not understand what Zheng Hongkui meant? When Zheng Hongkui said that Zheng Zhilong had not returned yet, wasn't it just a reminder that Zheng Zhilong might come back at any time?

Shi Fu and the other two looked at each other, then nodded slightly. Shi Fu then spoke.

"Mr. Zheng is right. Now that two angels have suddenly arrived, we, the generals of Fujian Province, need to discuss the matter again."

Zhang Tongchang and Zheng Cai were moved when they heard what Shi Fu said, while Zheng Hongkui's face darkened slightly.

Whether it was Zhang Tongchang or Zheng Cai, their goal was to win over the generals in Zheng's army. At this time, Shi Fu and other generals from other families needed time to consider their attitudes. It was not good for both sides to force them too much, so both sides nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Zheng Hongkui's expression finally relaxed. He looked at Zhang Tongchang and others below, his eyes turned, and he spoke

"Mr. Zhang has come from afar, so I guess you haven't found a place to stay yet. Why don't you stay at my house, Zheng's, so that I can show my hospitality as a host."

"Someone, clean up the West Garden and use it as accommodation for Lord Zhang and his party."

Zheng Hongkui did not wait for Zhang Tongchang to respond and directly gave his order, but Zhang Tongchang was unmoved and directly refused.

"We have our own place to stay in the city, so there is no need to trouble Lord Zheng."

Seeing Zhang Tongchang's resolute expression, Zheng Hongkui's face froze, and he thought to himself, "What a pity!"

But now that everyone was present, Zheng Hongkui could not force it.

Today, Zheng Cai first stated his opposition to Zheng Zhilong's decision not to surrender to the Qing Dynasty. Then Zheng Cai suddenly announced to all the generals that the long-missing Lu Jianguo had reappeared and was about to enter Fujian.
Halfway through the day, a Gui Regent suddenly appeared, claiming to be the successor of the Longwu orthodoxy. All these changes really made Shi Fu and others a little overwhelmed.
With the appearance of these two parties, the situation in Anping City, which was already undercurrent, became more chaotic, and Zheng's generals also dispersed and returned to their homes to discuss.
(End of this chapter)