Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 192 Grace
In the back hall, Zhang Kentang, who had just seen off Zeng Ying, Lu Zhenfei and other gentry who had come to watch the ceremony, sat at the top, and Zhang Tongchang, who was sitting on the left.

"I am a humble student and I am honored to meet you two adults."

Zheng Chenggong entered the hall, bowed to the two men, and then sat on the right side with a silent expression on his face.
Zhang Tongchang saw Zheng Chenggong's expression, exchanged a glance with Zhang Kentang, and then said:

"We didn't talk much with Da Mu in front of others today. Does Da Mu have any complaints in his heart?"

"Damu dare not"

Zheng Chenggong replied in a muffled voice, and Zhang Tongchang saw this and a flash of understanding flashed in his eyes, and he said

"The reason why we turned a blind eye to you today is not because we ignored your intention to repay you."

"But your uncle is unwilling to express his opinion. If I and others talk to you in front of others, it will certainly make the generals in the army think that your Zheng family has already joined the court, but wouldn't that put you in an unjust position?"

"Although the imperial court is eager to recruit generals, we do not want to resort to such trickery."

Zheng Chenggong was also stunned when he heard this, but then he suddenly felt touched. He originally thought that it was because the Zheng family was reluctant to serve the court that Zhang Kentang and others were so cold to him. He did not expect that the other party deliberately distanced themselves from him for this reason.

"I thought...I thought it was because of my Zheng family that I was looked down upon by the two adults. I was narrow-minded and suddenly became angry. I was impolite. Please forgive me, adults."

Zheng Chenggong looked at Zhang Tongchang and the other man in front of him, and his determination to serve the court became stronger.
The two gentlemen acted uprightly and never took anything that was unjust. This was what he imagined a wise official in the court to be like.
Zhang Tongchang and the others saw the gratitude on Zheng Chenggong's face, and a smile flashed in their eyes.

Of course, this was part of the reason why they were deliberately distancing themselves from Zheng Chenggong today, but more importantly, they had already figured out the current situation of the Zheng family.

The real power of the Zheng family is now in the hands of Zheng Hongkui and Zheng Zhibao. Although Zheng Chenggong is the eldest son of the Zheng family, if he does not have the support of Zheng Hongkui and Zheng Zhibao, he will probably not be able to mobilize the generals of the Zheng family.

In this case, why not take this opportunity to bring them closer to Zheng Chenggong?

Although Zheng Chenggong was temporarily unable to call on the generals of the Zheng family, his identity as a member of the Zheng family was already very valuable to them.

Zhang Tongchang saw that Zheng Chenggong's expression had recovered, and his face suddenly straightened up. He said

"Today, Zhang Butang and I summoned Da Mu to discuss this matter. We thought that no one from your Zheng family would come today, but we did not expect you to be here."

"In this case, we would like to ask you formally, are you willing to accept the position of Governor of Fujian Province?"

Zheng Chenggong's face froze when he heard this. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

"You two adults also know that my father is now in the enemy camp. If I accept the position of governor from the imperial court at this time, I am afraid that the Qing invaders will be immediately angry and ashamed."

"Although he surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, he is still my father after all. I cannot accept the position of governor at this time."

After Zheng Chenggong finished speaking, he saw that the two people opposite him seemed to have cold expressions, and his heart tightened. He immediately said

"Although Da Mu is unworthy, he is also the son of a saint and knows the righteousness of the Chinese and the barbarians. His Highness Gui Jianguo is the direct descendant of Emperor Shenzong. He is the orthodox line of our Ming Dynasty and the father of all the scholars in the world."

"It's not that I'm unwilling to serve the court at this moment, I'm just worried that I might harm that person's life because of me. Don't worry, my two lords, as long as that person returns, I will immediately rebel against the Zheng family."

"I know myself well. I am just a student with little experience. How can I be a provincial governor? When I come to you, I only want to be a clerk in the government. I will be satisfied if I can serve the court. I will never dream of a title or salary."

Zhang Tongchang and the other man seemed to relax a little after hearing this. Zhang Tongchang was silent for a moment, then he spoke:

"Since ancient times, it has been difficult to be both loyal and filial. Da Mu is in a dilemma right now. Since this is the case, we should not force him any further."

"But Da Mu may not know that before we left, His Highness the Regent only made a general plan for Fujian Province and asked us to make decisions accordingly. However, the titles and official positions of you and your son were determined by His Highness himself."

"Your Highness's decree has been made, and Da Mu has not lost his integrity. As long as you are willing to return to the court in the future, you will still be the governor of Fujian Province appointed by Your Highness. Neither I nor Zhang Butang can change this at this time."

Zheng Chenggong's face became more ashamed when he heard this. At this time, Zhang Kentang above him finally spoke and said softly:
"I have worked with your father for many years. Your father was already disrespectful during the Longwu Dynasty. To be honest, I really dislike your father, but I never thought that your father could raise such a virtuous son like you. I am really surprised."

"His Highness entrusted the land of Fujian to you and your son. Although your father surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, you are now able to respect justice and be loyal to the court. You have lived up to His Highness's deep kindness to your Zheng family. Da Mu, you should work hard."

"I understand that my Zheng family has received special favors from the court, but now they have done such a ridiculous thing. From now on, Da Mu will die loyally to repay the court's special favor."

When Zheng Chenggong heard this, he felt ashamed to death. He stood up and bowed to the two men. Then, after Zhang Tongchang's repeated words of comfort, he sat back in his seat with a grateful look.

Zhang Kentang and Zhang Tongchang looked at each other and felt that the fire was about right, so they nodded slightly, and Zhang Kentang began to speak.

"Actually, we asked Da Mu to come here today because we want your help with something."

"Please tell me, sir. As long as Oki can do it, I will not refuse."

Zheng Chenggong heard this and immediately responded

"One should not speak of one's father's faults before his son, but Damu knows the current situation. I'm afraid your father will definitely surrender to the Qing Dynasty."

"What I am going to say next is a secret of the imperial court. Once you leave this place, you must not disclose it to anyone. You may be able to do it."

Seeing Zhang Kentang's serious expression, Zheng Chenggong immediately responded, and Zhang Kentang continued to speak.

"This time the delegation came to Fujian, in addition to conferring titles on you and your son, the imperial court actually had another purpose, which was to block the Qing invaders from Guangdong Province and buy time for the imperial court to deploy defenses and reinforcements."

"The purpose of the court ennobling your Zheng family is precisely this, but your father has surrendered to the Qing Dynasty. Once your father comes back, not only will he not be able to hold back the Qing invaders, but he may become the vanguard of the Qing invaders' attack on Guangdong. This is absolutely unacceptable."

"Since your father is unable to stop the Qing invaders, we, the Governor of Fujian Province, must take on the task of containing the Qing troops in Fujian Province. We must not allow the entire Qing army to enter Fujian and affect the overall situation of the court."

"I have trained thousands of elite soldiers in Tongan, who should be able to contain part of the Qing army in Fujian Province when necessary. I asked Da Mu to come here this time because I need your help on two matters." "First, the governor's army under my command will soon enter Tongan and nearby counties to obtain food, wages and soldiers. I hope Da Mu can make it clear with your uncle and not send troops to obstruct the governor's action."

Although Zhang Kentang had previously refused to move into Tongan, the situation was different now.
Zhang Kentang was unwilling to occupy Tongan before, on the one hand because he had no reason to do so, and on the other hand because he was worried that Zheng Zhilong would attack and bring disaster to the people.

But at this time, these two concerns were gone. He had been appointed as the Governor-General of Fujian Province by the imperial court, and naturally had the power to govern all prefectures and counties in Fujian Province. It was natural for the troops under his command to enter Tongan to collect salaries.
The Governor's Office was now tasked with containing the Qing army in Fujian Province, and would have to fight Zheng Zhilong and others sooner or later. Zhang Kentang had not wanted to start a war before, not because he was too soft-hearted, but because he did not know why he was fighting.
After receiving the imperial order, Zhang Kentang no longer hesitated and became the decisive and ruthless frontier official he used to be.
Restraining the Qing invaders is a major matter for the imperial court. If he does nothing and takes the initiative to retreat because he is worried about sparking a war, then what is the point of the imperial court appointing him as the governor of Fujian Province?
Seeing that Zheng Chenggong showed no dissatisfaction on his face, Zhang Kentang spoke again.

"Secondly, the Governor's Office wants to contain the Qing invaders. There will be a war with the Qing invaders in Fujian Province in the future. At this time, we need to prepare for a rainy day and prepare food and supplies in advance. I want to buy 5,000 dan of military rations from your Zheng family at the price of one tael of silver per dan."

"The only family in Tongan that can immediately provide so much food and money is your Zheng family. Damu, are you willing to come forward and raise this batch of food and money for the court?"

After Zhang Kentang finished speaking, he also stared at the young man on the right.

Seeing Zheng Chenggong deep in thought, Zhang Tongchang's heart sank, and he could not help but speak.

"Da Mu, we know that the price of one tael of silver per stone is a bit low at this time, but the Governor's Office is newly established and the court is far away in Guangdong Province. The silver we brought is really not much..."

If it were during the peaceful years, one tael of silver for one dan of rice would be a fair price. However, in the past two years, there have been constant wars in various parts of Jiangnan and Fujian Province, and the people have been displaced. In addition, there have been continuous droughts and locust plagues in recent years. The price of grain has been rising all the way in various places. How can you buy one tael of silver for one dan of rice now?
Zheng Chenggong immediately reacted to what Zhang Tongchang said and immediately bowed and said
"I was just thinking about how to raise rice, that's not what I meant."

"Don't worry, my two lords. Damu will raise the food and money for the court!"

"As for the silver and money, you two adults do not need to mention it. At this moment, the imperial court cannot provide enough support, and the army needs money everywhere. You two adults can use the silver and money for more urgent things. Da Mu will find a way to deal with these food and wages, and will never miss the important matters of the army."

If Zheng Chenggong was asked to persuade Shi Fu and others to surrender, he really couldn't do it, but if he just spent money to buy food, it would not be a difficult task for Zheng Chenggong.

Five thousand shi of grain would be worth at most 10,000 or 20,000 silver coins, which was nothing to Zheng Chenggong, the eldest son of the Zheng family.

Zheng Chenggong was not short of money. The only difficulty was to find a way to persuade Zheng Hongkui to get the grain from the treasury of Zheng's business.

Zhang Kentang and the others were relieved when they heard this. The envoys brought two thousand taels of gold with them to Fujian this time. Which of them didn't cost money?

These 20,000 taels of silver were actually not enough. Zheng Chenggong could take the initiative to bear the cost of the food and wages, so that they could spend the money elsewhere and recruit more soldiers to expand the army.

Zhang Kentang couldn't help but say when he thought of this.

"I don't want to lie. The army is really short of money right now. Since Da Mu has a way to raise food and wages, I won't be polite to him."

Zhang Kentang saw that Zheng Chenggong had no difficulty in his expression and continued speaking.

"This matter cannot be delayed. Damu, you know that your father has been away from the city for more than ten days and may come back at any time. This batch of food and money must be shipped out of Anping before your father returns."

Zheng Chenggong's face became serious when he heard this, and he immediately said
"I understand. I will go and collect food and money. Da Mu will come back to report within three days."

After Zheng Chenggong finished speaking, he saw Zhang Kentang and others nod, and he did not hesitate any more. He stood up and hurried out of the hall.

Zheng Chenggong left, leaving only Zhang Tongchang and his two companions in the hall.

Zhang Kentang sat in the first seat and was silent for a moment. Suddenly he spoke

"What does Bieshan think of this boy?"

"Having a noble heart and a kind disposition"

Zhang Tongchang saw the astonishment on Zhang Kentang's face and spoke again

"The minister may not know that although we sent an invitation to the Zheng family, Zheng Hongkui has actually been waiting and not responding. The Zheng family has no intention of sending anyone over this time."

"Zheng Chenggong came here by force this time, so there was no one around him. To be honest, I didn't expect that he could come to watch the ceremony despite the pressure from his clan. This also shows his character."

Zhang Kentang glanced at Zhang Tongchang who was looking at him with emotion. He was silent for a moment, but then he spoke:

"I mean, Bieshan, do you think this man can raise money for food and money?"

Zhang Tongchang was also stunned when he heard this, and then he reacted immediately. After thinking for a moment, he also spoke

"It's hard to say. Although Zheng Chenggong is the eldest son of the Zheng family, Zheng Hongkui is the head of the Zheng family at this time."

Zhang Tongchang frowned slightly after he finished speaking, but they had no better solution at this time.
Now the only family nearby that can provide large quantities of rice is the Zheng family. If even Zheng Chenggong, a member of the Zheng family, cannot buy large quantities of food and wages, then it is even more impossible for their newly established so-called governor's office to buy them.
The atmosphere in the hall became silent for a while. Zhang Tongchang frowned and thought hard, while Zhang Kentang looked thoughtful and suddenly said:

"At this time, the army is not only short of rice and grain, but also of weapons and armor. After meeting Zheng Chenggong this time, I have some ideas in my mind."

"Bie Shan thought, is it feasible for us to buy armor and weapons from Shi Fu Huang Ting and others at a low price?"

"This is a brilliant plan, Minister!"

Zhang Tongchang's eyes lit up immediately when he heard this, and he immediately understood what Zhang Kentang meant.

Now Shi Fu and others are waiting and watching with their troops. They don't want to surrender to the Qing Dynasty or the Ming Dynasty at this time. They just want to make a decision after the situation becomes clearer.

If they asked Shi Fu and others to buy weapons at a low price, they would probably sell them some weapons at a low price in order not to offend the court.
Although the Governor's Office was established at this time, they could not control any place in Fujian Province at all, and naturally could not replenish arrows, weapons, armor, etc.

If they could get a batch of weapons from Shi Fu and others, they would be able to greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of Zhang Kentang's soldiers. They could also use this opportunity to test the attitudes of the various parties in the army towards them.
How to test? Naturally, whoever receives less silver and gives more weapons is more loyal to the court.

After the two men had made their decision, they immediately summoned the envoys. After hearing the order, the envoys immediately went to various places in the city to ask Shi Fu and others to purchase military equipment.
(End of this chapter)