Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 222 Farewell
The turbulent and noisy year of 1646 finally passed away amid the sound of gunfire in Fujian Province.
So many things happened this year

Hubei Governor Du Yinxi joined forces with the remnant of the Dashun, the Zhongzheng Battalion, and the Governor of Huguang He Tengjiao to gather hundreds of thousands of troops to attack Hubei. The Qing court sent Lekedehun to rescue. Lekedehun's troops arrived in Yuezhou, and tens of thousands of He Tengjiao's troops fled. The Qing army went upstream in Yuezhou to attack Jingzhou. The Zhongzheng Battalion was unprepared and suffered countless casualties. The grand battle of Jingzhou was thus defeated.

The Qing Dynasty's Duoluo Beile Bolo was conferred the title of General Zhengnan. He defeated Zhejiang Province in one battle. The Lu Regent fled to the sea and became the Emperor of the Sea.

The Qing army surrounded Jinhua. Zhu Dadian, the Grand Secretary of Lu, vowed not to surrender to the Qing and defended the city to the death. However, he was ultimately outnumbered. In order to prevent the gunpowder in the city from being seized by the Qing army, Zhu Dadian led his family into the gunpowder depot in the city and resolutely detonated the gunpowder in the depot. He died heroically in the flames. The Qing army then entered the city and massacred all the people in Jinhua.

The Qing army crossed the Xianxia Pass. Zheng Zhilong secretly colluded with the Qing court. There was no soldier stationed in the Baili Pass. The Qing army was unstoppable. Jianning, Yanping, Fuzhou, and many prefectures and counties in northern Fujian surrendered. Emperor Longwu died in Tingzhou, and Fujian Province fell.
The remnants of Longwu fled westward to Guangdong and supported the King of Gui. The King of Tang fled southward to Guangdong. Zheng Zhilong led hundreds of thousands of Fujian troops but was lured by the Qing army for his own selfish interests and surrendered to the Qing and was captured.
Then Li Chengdong led his army to attack Guangdong. There were battles in Guangzhou, Zhangzhou, and Zhao'an. There was almost no interval between the battles. They broke out in succession in the last few months of the year.
No matter how many things happened this year, no matter how many people's ambitions, unwillingness and regrets were buried this year, time will not stop for anyone or anything.
Time is merciless. It leaves the old world behind and continues to move forward slowly and steadily, arriving at the new world. The year 1646, which was full of disputes and turmoil, has finally passed.

On the ninth day of the first lunar month in 1647, the army marched on the official road outside Fuzhou City.
Flags were flying in the wilderness, and the official roads were filled with Ming soldiers in scarlet uniforms. Countless soldiers were like a torrent, slowly pressing towards Fuzhou City.
In the middle of this red flood was a large yellow wooden carriage, with golden dragon flags fluttering in the wind in front and behind. Under the protection of a group of Longxiang troops, the Regent of the Ming Dynasty finally arrived outside the city of Fuzhou, to which he was loyal.
Five miles outside Fuzhou City, a tall colorful tent had already been erected on the official road. On the official road, cavalry sentries were running back and forth. A group of people in blue and red official robes stood in the cold wind, watching the army slowly approaching from a distance.

At this time, not only here, but also on the official road, huge colorful tents were set up every mile, and under the city of Fuzhou, the gentry gathered, waiting for the arrival of His Royal Highness Gui Jianguo.
Although Ma Baoshifu and his men had already captured Fuzhou, they had not entered the city except for sending troops to take over the defense of the city.

Ma Baoshifu and other troops did not enter the city to accept the surrender, but camped outside the city, waiting for the arrival of His Royal Highness the Regent.

At this time, under the colorful tent, there were a large number of soldiers surrounding, and among the soldiers, there were nearly a hundred figures standing, Zhang Kentang, Zhang Tongchang, Liu Xiangke, Ma Bao, Shi Fu, Huang Ting and others were all there. Those who could stand here to welcome the troops were all meritorious officials in this battle in Fujian Province.

Among these people, there are divisions. Standing in the front are Zhang Tongchang, Deng Mingwu, Wu Jisi, and Liu Xiangke.
These people were the first envoys sent by Gui Jianguo to Fujian Province. Their identities were extraordinary, so they stood in front. Ma Bao, Chen Qi Ce and others also stood behind the envoys and greeted them first.

After Zhang Tongchang and others, the officials of Fujian Province, led by Zhang Kentang,

Zhang Kentang stood in the front. On the left of Zhang Kentang was Shi Fu, who was wearing a bright red Qilin military uniform. Below Shi Fu was Shi Lang, who was also wearing a Qilin military uniform. Shi Fu was granted the title of Duke of Guguo, and Shi Lang was granted the title of Earl of Gushi because of Shi Fu's surrender. At this time, he could also wear the Qilin-granted uniform.

Shi Lang's title was originally half bought and half given, and its value was not high. Not only could it not be inherited, but the title and salary were also the lowest level of the third-class earl.

However, as Shi Lang defeated Changtai in Zhangzhou, his title of Gushibo became less and less worthy of contempt. After Shi Lang was blessed, Shi Xiancheng was promoted to a general in the army wearing tiger and leopard uniforms.

On the right side of Zhang Kentang is Zheng Hongkui, who is also wearing a Qilin military uniform. Zheng Hongkui finally chooses to join Gui Jianguo's side, and at this time he also restores the old title of Duke Dingguo during the Longwu period.

Below Zheng Hongkui is Zheng Chenggong, who is wearing a bright red peacock robe. Zheng Chenggong is currently a 3rd-rank assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue and governor of Fujian Province. He also holds the title of Chief Censor of the Supervisory Office, but his highest official title is still the 3rd-rank assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue. After Zheng Chenggong are Zheng Zhibao, Earl of Chengji, and Zheng Tai, a direct descendant of the Zheng family.

Standing between Shi Fu and Zheng Hongkui were Huang Ting, Zhou Hezhi, and Zhang Kentang's general Ru Yingyuan and others.

Other non-direct Zheng army generals such as Hong Xishan also stood here. This place had the largest number of people, almost half of the people who came to greet them, separating the Shi family and the Zheng family on the left and right.

The atmosphere in the front with Zhang Tongchang and others was quite good, and some people talked from time to time, but the atmosphere in the back with the people from Fujian Province was quite serious.
Shi Fu and Zheng Hongkui's men on both sides did not look away, but stood in the wind, watching the imperial guards approaching from a distance.

Huang Ting, Zhou Hezhi and others in the middle naturally knew the reason why the two sides had such attitudes, but Huang Ting and others were also very secretive about it and remained silent.
On one side is the upstart who has just made great contributions to the court, and on the other side is the Zheng family, the former master. No matter which side they don't want to offend at this time.
At this time, they have already submitted to the imperial court. Since there is an imperial court above them, why should they get involved in the conflict between the two families?

Huang Ting and other neutral generals did not want to get involved in the dispute between the two families. No one said much at this time. They just stood there in silence, waiting for the emperor to arrive.
Everyone waited for another quarter of an hour, and the vanguard of the Longxiang Army arrived under the colorful tent first. A group of imperial soldiers drove away the personal guards of the Fujian generals and others, blocking them outside and guarding the various places.

It was only then that the bright yellow carriage not far away finally drove towards the colorful tent.

The door curtain was lifted, and a figure stepped down from the carriage. Shi Fu, Zheng Hongkui and other officials from Fujian Province instantly focused their attention on that figure.
Next to the carriage, there was a young man in a bright yellow dragon robe. He was tall and handsome, with a face that seemed to have a smile but also a blank expression.

Everyone looked at the golden dragon in front of the young man, and felt a majestic aura pressing down on them. Almost subconsciously, everyone in the field avoided his gaze and lowered their heads. They couldn't help but think in their hearts that he was indeed a descendant of the Heavenly Family who could lead the army to kill Bolo. This Gui Jianguo was really powerful.
But in reality, there was not so much golden light and kingly aura. The reason why everyone felt that His Royal Highness the Regent was so imposing was only because everyone was surrounded by the Longxiang Army at this time.
The people of Fujian Province were surrounded by nearly 10,000 Longxiang soldiers. No matter who stood in front of them, the people of Fujian Province would probably feel that this person was majestic and overbearing, and they dared not look directly at him.
Zhu Lang got off the carriage and walked towards the crowd waiting in front. However, just as Zhu Lang took two steps, Zhang Tongchang and others came to meet him.
Zhang Tongchang's face was filled with excitement. He bowed to the young man in front of him and said:

"Your Highness the Regent, Your Highness, is here to see you."

"Since I received the imperial order, I have always been worried, fearing that I would make a mistake and delay Your Highness's important affairs. Today is finally, finally..."

Zhang Tongchang looked at the Regent in front of him with an excited look on his face. Thinking of the various hardships and crises he had encountered since entering Fujian, Zhang Tongchang was overwhelmed with emotions for a moment and could not speak for a long time.
Zhu Lang looked at the middle-aged man in front of him with red eyes, and he also had a look of emotion. He reached out and patted Zhang Tongchang on the shoulder, and said softly:

"There is no need for us, your Majesty, to say more. Please follow me to meet the officials of Fujian Province first. We will say goodbye to each other later." "I was agitated for a moment and was impolite. Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness."

Zhang Tongchang bowed and Zhu Lang patted Zhang Tongchang on the shoulder and told him to follow him. Then he walked to the next person.

Deng Mingwu was also excited when he saw His Royal Highness the Regent approaching, but Deng Mingwu was calm after all. When he saw His Royal Highness the Regent approaching him, he bowed and saluted, and then said in a deep voice:
"When I said goodbye to Your Highness, Your Highness entrusted the safety of the delegation to me. Now that the Lords Zhang, Wu, and Liu are all here, I have finally lived up to Your Highness' trust. Today, I will formally report to Your Highness."

Zhu Lang looked at Deng Mingwu with a look of emotion and said

"I handed the delegation to Mingwu that day because I knew that Mingwu would always do things in a prudent manner. Today it seems that I did not make a mistake in choosing him. Mingwu, you did a good job."

"Chengzhi has missed you many times. Now that you are back, go back to the Imperial Palace to serve. You two are my left and right arms. I cannot do without you two."

Deng Mingwu below also looked excited and immediately responded. Zhu Lang encouraged Deng Mingwu a few more words before moving on to the next person.

Zhu Lang looked at Wu Jisi, whose skin seemed to be slightly darker, and a hint of joy flashed across his face.

When he first came to this world and was most panicked and confused, Wu Jisi and Li Guoyong were by his side. These two people were also the people Zhu Lang trusted the most. Seeing that Wu Jisi was safe and sound and even a little fatter, Zhu Lang was naturally happy.

But before Zhu Lang could speak, Wu Jisi knelt on the ground, his eyes instantly reddened, and he spoke in a trembling voice

"Your Highness, the Regent, is here to see me. I am finally here, Your Highness."

"This time when I came to Fujian, I went through many hardships and dangers. I almost died several times. I thought I would never see the prince again in this life. God has mercy on me. Today, I can see the prince again. Even if I die, I have no regrets."

Zhu Lang was speechless as he watched Wu Jisi, who kept wiping his tears with his sleeves and occasionally glanced at him through his sleeves.

Seeing that His Highness the Regent had not responded for a long time, Wu Jisi felt that his emotions were not enough, so he knelt on the ground and kept moving forward, trying to grab Zhu Lang's robe and cry.
Seeing Wu Jisi coming over to hug his legs, Zhu Lang felt helpless. Finally, he couldn't stand it anymore and snorted coldly. He said

"Alright, stop pretending. Even if you haven't made any contribution in Fujian, you have worked hard. Haven't you always been thinking about those bottles of Qiuyuebai in the palace wine store? I will reward you when we return to Guangdong Province. Now hurry up and don't embarrass me here."

"Thank you for your reward, Your Highness. I will be given the imperial wine. When I return home, I will make a good offering to the inheritance, so that our Wu family will never forget your grace."

When Wu Jisi heard Zhu Lang's reply, he was certain in his heart and immediately got up from the ground. The tears on his face disappeared immediately.
Zhu Lang looked at Wu Jisi, who was smiling happily, and was speechless again. Wu Jisi's flattery was getting more and more disgusting.
Wu Jisi stood behind Zhu Lang, but his face was smug. What was wrong with flattery? He, Wu Jisi, got promoted by flattery, no, by serving His Highness wholeheartedly.

Everyone else could only address him as Your Highness, but Old Wu could address His Highness as Your Highness, and His Highness would respond.

What does this prove? This proves that Wu Jisi is still the most trusted confidant of His Highness the Regent!

After meeting Wu Jisi, Zhu Lang met with Liu Xiangke, Lin Cha and others who were left in the delegation, and then encouraged and comforted Ma Bao and others who were at the end of the team.
Zhu Lang had just met Ma Bao and others in Chaozhou, so he didn't spend too much time with them. He just asked Ma Bao a few questions about the situation of taking Fuzhou, and the meeting with the delegation ended there.

Zhu Lang was busy meeting the envoys in the front, while Shi Fu, Zheng Hongkui and other officials from Fujian Province were waiting quietly in the back. No one dared to disturb them.

Shi Lang and other officials from Fujian Province were quietly observing the interaction between His Royal Highness the Regent and the envoys in front of them, and they were also thinking about something.
The head of the diplomatic envoy Zhang Tongchang is indeed an extraordinary person in the court. We must be careful in the future and not offend him.
Although His Highness the Regent had only spoken one or two words to Zhang Tongchang, the less His Highness the Regent said to Zhang Tongchang, the more it showed His Highness the Regent's closeness to Zhang Tongchang.
Just by looking at the interaction between His Royal Highness the Regent and Zhang Tongchang, one can tell that this person must be highly valued by His Royal Highness the Regent.

When Zhang Tongchang entered Fujian, he was already a third-rank minister. This time, he has made great contributions to the pacification of Fujian Province. I am afraid that after returning, he will either be promoted to a minister or sent to a frontier. Such a person will almost certainly join the cabinet to assist in the administration in the future. He must not be provoked.
Wu Jisi was indeed as he said. He was actually the most trusted minister of His Majesty the Regent.
Wu Jisi's flattery was indeed despicable and enviable, and His Royal Highness the Regent also rebuked Wu Jisi, but this just proved that the relationship between Wu Jisi and His Royal Highness was extraordinary.

The fact that Wu Jisi could act so shameless in front of His Majesty the Regent and not be punished shows how close His Majesty the Regent is to Wu Jisi.

Everyone looked at the smug Wu Jisi behind His Royal Highness the Regent, and they all felt a little wary of him, listing him as one of the people who should not be provoked in the court.
There has never been a lack of favored ministers like Wu Jisi in the dynasties of the past.
Wu Jisi is obviously such a trusted and favored minister, but the most difficult thing to deal with is that this is exactly the villain who is favored by the emperor.
This kind of person may not be able to do anything for you if you ask him to do it, but if he wants to ruin your business, he will definitely do it. It is best not to get involved with such a villain.

At this time, Zhu Lang had already met with the ministers of the delegation in front, and all the members of the delegation stood behind His Royal Highness the Regent. However, His Royal Highness the Regent did not walk to the back, but stopped where he was.
Zhang Tongchang and Deng Mingwu stood beside His Royal Highness the Regent, whispering to each other and pointing at the people behind them. When everyone saw His Royal Highness the Regent looking at them, they immediately became nervous.
(End of this chapter)