Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 223: Fujian Minister
In front of the colorful tent, Zhang Tongchang, Deng Mingwu and other officials from the delegation gathered around Zhu Lang and were introducing the situation of the officials from Fujian Province to him.
Every time Zhang Tongchang and his men pointed in one direction, the officials of Fujian Province in that direction would immediately feel nervous. Everyone could only see Zhang Tongchang and his men moving their lips, but they could not hear what they were saying.

The Regent followed the instructions of Zhang Tongchang and others and looked over here from time to time. How could everyone not be nervous?
At this time, not only ordinary generals such as Zhou Hezhi and Hong Xishan, but also Shi Fu, Zheng Hongkui and others were nervous. They were called Dukes, Governors, and Earls, but this was only because the court was forced to grant them titles due to the situation.
Of course, the imperial court would not immediately turn its back on people at this time, but official titles and official ranks are also completely different. The simplest point is that the earl who can command the army and the earl who cannot command the army are both ranked in the fifth rank, but there is a world of difference between the two.

This Gui Regent is not the Longwu Emperor. This prince has tens of thousands of elite troops under his command, and with the title of Regent, he has the power to use his power to punish the rebels.

During this period of time, Ma Bao and a group of Fujian generals jointly attacked Quanzhou, Fuzhou and other places. The Fujian generals also saw the strength of these imperial guards.
This Tengxiang Imperial Army left a deep impression on the generals of Fujian Province. They were covered with artillery, nearly half of the soldiers were equipped with cloth armor, there were 2,000 cavalry among only 6,000 people, and almost everyone in the army was a veteran who dared to fight and charge into battle.
The longer Shi Fu, Huang Ting and others spent with the Tengxiang Army, the more they feared the imperial court. Apart from other things, if they met Ma Bao's Tengxiang Army in the wild, Shi Fu would not dare to fight with them.
According to the information they received, this Tengxiang Army was a new army formed by Gui Jianguo and others with the defeated army of Li Chengdong and others. It was the weakest of the three imperial armies of the court.

As for the two armies of Longxiang and Wuxiang that defeated Li Chengdong and Tong Yangjia, with a total of 30,000 people, they had no idea how elite they were. They only knew that the elite Tatars led by Bolo were annihilated by these two imperial armies, and a total of more than 4,000 Jurchen troops were completely wiped out in one battle.

This Gui Regent Dynasty was not a court with only righteousness like the Longwu Dynasty. At this time, the Gui Regent Dynasty had absolute power to take away the power in their hands, both in terms of strength and in name.
They had just helped the court take over Fujian Province. In order to win the hearts of the people, the court would not take away their official titles, but they could take away their real power and make them empty-handed officials. Such empty-handed officials basically had nothing left except a salary.

Everyone stood under the colorful tent. It was clearly the coldest time of the year, but as time went by, many people began to sweat.

His Royal Highness the Regent listened for about a quarter of an hour before Zhang Tongchang and Deng Mingwu retreated behind His Royal Highness the Regent.
At this time, His Royal Highness the Regent also walked towards the colorful tent. Everyone looked at the young man in the dragon robe walking slowly towards them, and their hearts were immediately lifted.
When Zhu Lang arrived under the colorful tent, he went straight to Zhang Kentang who was standing at the front.
"I, Zhang Kentang, the Governor of Zhejiang and Fujian, pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Regent."

When Zhang Kentang saw His Royal Highness the Regent approaching, he was about to bow down to pay his respects. However, before he could bow, he was firmly supported by a pair of hands.

"Mr. Zhang, there is no need to be so polite"

When Zhang Kentang raised his head, he saw a young man in a bright yellow dragon robe standing in front of him, holding him up with both hands.
Zhu Lang looked at the gray-haired Zhang Kentang in front of him and said softly

"I have heard about Zhang Gelao's story. He is a lone soldier in the sea, and he has spent all his wealth, but he is still determined. Zhang Gelao's actions are enough to set an example for the world. He is truly the backbone of our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Lang praised softly. Zhang Kentang was stunned at first when he heard what the young man said. Then he looked at Zhu Lang's bright yellow dragon robe and thought of the panic and despair of the previous emperor after he suffered a disaster. His eyes suddenly turned red.

Zhang Kentang looked at the heroic young man in front of him, and in a trance he seemed to see the ambitious former emperor again.

Zhang Kentang burst into tears and suddenly burst into tears. He fell to his knees on the ground.
"The late emperor did not despise me and entrusted me with military affairs. Fujian was destroyed and the late emperor suffered. Others died for their righteousness, but I have survived to this day. I am not strong enough to lead the army and repel the enemy. I have failed the late emperor and watched the territory fall. I have also failed the Ming Dynasty. I deserve death."

Zhang Kentang suddenly knelt down, tears streaming down his face, and he fell to the ground.
Zhang Kentang's fierce reaction shocked everyone present, but Zhu Lang quickly reacted and stepped forward to help the old man up from the ground.
Zhu Lang helped Zhang Kentang up, looked at the old man in tears, and said

"The former emperor suffered at the hands of the Qing invaders. Now the Qing invaders have been destroyed by the imperial court. Fujian Province fell, but now it is back in the hands of Zhang Ge Lao. Now the evil atmosphere in Fujian Province has been completely eliminated, all thanks to Zhang Ge Lao's hard work and the desperate service of the Fujian soldiers."

"We lost it, and we gained it again. The country was in danger, and you were able to keep your integrity. This is how we finally won this great victory. What crime have you and your soldiers committed?"

When Zhu Lang said this, he suddenly looked at the Fujian army generals opposite him and said loudly:
"The late emperor devoted his entire life to restoration. In times of crisis, he still raised his spear and wanted to recover his homeland. Although the Qing invaders in Fujian have been annihilated, half of the country is still in the hands of the invaders. The people are crying day and night for help."

"How can we sit back and watch the Han people suffer at this time and easily give up our lives? I and you have inherited the will of the late emperor. Now is the time to work together, endure humiliation and restore our Ming country. This is the way to live up to the trust of the late emperor. Do you agree?"

"I, an old minister, will devote my life to assisting Your Highness and restoring the Ming Dynasty."

Zhang Kentang's face straightened when he heard what Zhu Lang said, and he suddenly bowed deeply to Zhu Lang.
"We, the ministers, will do our utmost to follow Your Highness and restore our Ming Dynasty as soon as possible."

Seeing this, Shi Fu, Zheng Hongkui and other officials from Fujian Province shouted and bowed down.

Shi Fu and other Fujian generals shouted and bowed, and they felt relieved. From the words of His Royal Highness the Regent, they also understood the attitude of the court towards them.
His Highness the Regent's words just now were actually telling them that Gui Regent inherited the Longwu legal system, and that they, the old Longwu generals, were now the direct descendants of the court, not foreign generals.
The Fujian generals have helped the imperial court to recover Fujian Province, which is a good thing. As long as they serve the imperial court wholeheartedly in the future, the imperial court will not settle old scores before today.

Among the generals of Fujian Province, the smart ones such as Shi Fu, Zheng Hongkui, Huang Ting, Shi Lang, etc. also relaxed after hearing the meaning of His Highness' words.
Today was the first time His Highness met with the officials of Fujian Province. They did not believe that His Highness the Regent would speak at will at this time. Even if there was no sudden incident with Zhang Kentang today, I am afraid that His Highness the Regent would take the opportunity to make a statement to reassure the generals of Fujian Province.
The generals of Fujian Province were relieved when they heard His Royal Highness the Regent's statement.

What they were most worried about was that someone in the court would use the past period of time when Fujian Province fell to make a fuss. They had no way of explaining what had happened during this period, and now that His Royal Highness the Regent had said that bygones were off the table, they naturally relaxed.

Zhu Lang comforted Zhang Kentang, glanced at the generals behind him, thought for a moment, and then walked directly to a burly middle-aged man.
"This should be Duke Guguo Shi Fu, General Shi."

"Shi Fu, I pay my respects to His Highness the Regent. I hesitated before the battle and failed to drive the enemy out of the country in one fell swoop. As a result, Your Highness led the army to fight in person. I am guilty."

Shi Fu was talking about the fact that when Zhang Tongchang came, the Shi family and others waited and watched, until the victory news from Guangdong Province came, and then they decided to join the Gui Regent court.
Zhang Tongchang must have reported the situation in Anping City that day to the court. It is impossible to hide this from His Royal Highness the Regent. Instead of pretending to be ignorant, it is better to speak directly at this time.
After Shi Fu finished speaking, he was about to bow, but Zhu Lang directly stretched out a hand to stop Shi Fu from bowing.

"The fact that the general can lead his army back to the imperial court shows that he has great righteousness in his heart. The general's victory over the Qing invaders in Changtai, Zhangzhou, is a great achievement for the imperial court, so what crime has he committed?"

"I hope that the general will always put the interests of the court first, strive to be the first, and make new contributions to the court, just like he did in the battle of Zhangzhou."

"Yes, I will keep your teachings in mind and strive to make new contributions for you."

Zhu Lang brushed aside Shi Fu's hesitation and told him clearly that the Shi family had made no mistakes and that Shi Fu did not need to worry about it anymore. Then he nodded again, and Shi Fu understood and immediately expressed his obedience.
Zhu Lang chatted with Shi Fu for a few more words, then looked at Shi Lang behind Shi Fu and said

"This must be General Shi Lang, who launched a surprise attack on Zhangzhou and defeated the Qing invaders in Changtai. He is indeed a brave and handsome man."

"Shi Lang pays homage to His Royal Highness the Regent. I do not deserve His Royal Highness's praise for my insignificant contribution."

Shi Lang saw His Royal Highness the Regent looking at him, and a look of joy flashed across his face, but he still spoke modestly.

"General Shi is too modest. This is not a trivial achievement, but a great one. The court will reward you handsomely."

"If the court had a few more young heroes like General Shi, I wouldn't have to worry about the unrest in the Eastern Tartars." Zhu Lang was actually two years younger than Shi Lang, but everyone thought what Zhu Lang said was natural. When Shi Lang heard the praise from His Highness the Regent, his face was filled with joy.
He fought desperately to launch a surprise attack and win military merits, wasn't it just to receive rewards, be appreciated by the court, obtain a higher official rank and position, and show off to others?

Zhu Lang and the Shi family talked for nearly half a quarter of an hour, showing the Shi family's grace and honor in front of the generals of Fujian Province, and then went to the next place.

"This is Duke Dingguo, right?"

"Your Highness, I, Zheng Hongkui, greet you."

"Well, Duke Dingguo has worked hard."

When Zheng Hongkui saw His Royal Highness the Regent approaching, he also hurriedly bowed. Originally, Zheng Hongkui also intended to use this opportunity to apologize to Regent Gui, but after Zheng Hongkui bowed, before he could stand up, His Royal Highness the Regent had already walked to the next place.

Zheng Hongkui froze in place, with a flash of shame and anger on his face. But when he looked at the generals such as Jiao Lian, Ma Bao and others beside His Royal Highness the Regent, and then at the rows of elite soldiers in iron armor outside, he felt a sense of powerlessness in his heart, and then he could not help but feel a sense of fear.

Gui is not the Longwu Emperor, and he is no longer the Duke of Dingguo who once was able to call the shots in Fujian Province.

Huang Ting and the others were stunned when they saw His Royal Highness the Regent only paused in front of Zheng Hongkui and then walked straight past him. They lowered their heads and looked at Zheng Hongkui, whose face turned blue and red, but soon turned pale again. They all looked thoughtful.

If it weren't for the previous meeting with Zhang Kentang, Shi Fu and others, His Royal Highness the Regent's actions would not be a big deal. After all, he is the emperor, and it is rare for him to say that he has worked hard.

But with the contrast of Zhang Kentang and Shi Fu, His Royal Highness the Regent's attitude towards Zheng Hongkui became extremely eye-catching.
His Highness the Regent had just talked with the Shi family for more than a quarter of an hour, during which he had spoken many words of praise. But now he just said a perfunctory word to Zheng Hongkui and walked away. Anyone could see that His Highness the Regent disliked Zheng Hongkui.
And everyone in Fujian Province also knew why His Royal Highness the Regent had such an attitude towards Zheng Hongkui.
Although the Shi family sat back and watched, they at least protected the imperial delegation. Zheng Hongkui was originally strongly opposed to surrendering to the Qing Dynasty, but after Zheng Zhilong actually surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, Zheng Hongkui suddenly changed his attitude. Until the last moment, he was still persuading the generals to follow the Zheng family and surrender to the Qing Dynasty to save Zheng Zhilong.

Zheng Hongkui had previously obstructed the imperial delegation in every possible way, trying to cut off the delegation's contact with the generals of Fujian Province. How could His Majesty the Regent be kind to such a two-faced person?

At this time, His Royal Highness the Regent was still willing to talk to Zheng Hongkui, probably because of Zheng Hongkui's title of Duke and the 10,000 soldiers of the Zheng family.
If it weren't for the fact that the Zheng family's army had also contributed in the battle of Changtai, His Royal Highness the Regent would probably not have had the time to say a word to Zheng Hongkui.

Everyone in Fujian Province looked at Zheng Hongkui who was standing there in a daze. Some smart people had a glint in their eyes. Judging from His Highness's attitude today, the Shi family might be the leader of the Fujian Army in the future. The Zheng family might gradually lose power in the new dynasty and eventually be completely wiped out.

Zhu Lang walked up to Zheng Chenggong, who was wearing a bright red peacock robe, but his face looked a little pale.

When Zheng Chenggong saw His Royal Highness the Regent approaching, he also lowered his head and was about to salute, but before he could salute, he was stopped by His Royal Highness the Regent opposite him.
"I already know what happened in Anping City. Strong winds reveal strong grass, and turbulent times reveal loyal ministers. Zheng Qing did a good job."

"Although your father made mistakes, you are able to put aside personal gain and always put the interests of the court first. This is rare."

"The late emperor has been extremely kind to your Zheng family and has even personally bestowed upon you the surname of the emperor. Now that you have been spared, it means that your Zheng family has not failed to live up to the late emperor's kindness."

Zheng Chenggong's face turned pale when he heard what His Royal Highness the Regent said. He had thought about countless times when he would meet the Emperor, but no matter which one it was, it was definitely not like today.

Although His Royal Highness the Regent was praising him for upholding justice, his previous attitude towards Zheng Hongkui actually told everyone that except for Zheng Chenggong, the rest of the Zheng family were disloyal ministers who only cared about their own interests.

The key point is that whether it was before or after Zheng Zhilong surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, the Zheng family did exactly what Your Highness said, they only cared about their own interests in everything. In order to protect the interests of the Zheng family's industry, the Zheng family could even directly betray the court and surrender to the Qing invaders.

When the Zheng family was in power in Fujian Province, such a thing was of course nothing. But now the Zheng family's power has already plummeted. The court is now in control of Fujian Province again. If the Zheng family's faults are really investigated, I am afraid that no one in the Zheng family will have a good ending.

What is even more frightening is that if someone in the imperial court really proposed to purge the Zheng family at this time, I am afraid that the former Fujian generals would also applaud and would not think that the imperial court was abandoning them after their rabbits were dead. The fact that Zheng Zhilong publicly asked the Fujian generals to surrender to the Qing Dynasty was enough to make the Zheng family die without a burial place.
When Zheng Chenggong thought of this, he became even more panicked. He looked at the silent Regent in front of him and became flustered. He knelt down and saluted, and said:

"I am a minister of little virtue and power, and have little knowledge. How dare I steal the position of governor of the imperial court?"

"Now that Fujian Province has been settled, we need to select good officials to govern the people of Fujian Province. I resign from the position of Governor of Fujian Province. I only ask Your Highness to consider that the Zheng family has not lost their righteousness in the end, and let the Zheng family make meritorious contributions to make up for the mistakes of that day."

Zheng Chenggong kowtowed and knelt on the ground. At this time, everyone in the field lowered their heads, but secretly looked at the Regent in front of them, wanting to see how the Regent would respond.
Zhu Lang was silent for a long time. Seeing that His Royal Highness the Regent remained silent for a long time, the Zheng family members behind Zheng Chenggong were terrified and sweaty.

His Royal Highness the Regent was silent for a while, but suddenly stepped forward and personally helped Zheng Chenggong up from the ground.
"For the sake of the court, you can disregard the personal interests of your clan, and now you have given up your official position for the sake of everyone in your clan. I really didn't misjudge you."

"The kindness of a gentleman can protect five generations, and the virtue of one person can also benefit an entire family."

"Zheng Zhilong is Zheng Zhilong, and you are yours. I have said before that as long as you return to the imperial court in the end, the righteousness will not be lost, and I will not bring up the past."

"I keep my word. Since I allowed you to be the governor, then you are the governor. Just be the governor and I will not do anything to the Zheng family."

Zhu Lang looked at the generals of Fujian Province in front of him and spoke again

"I have said this when I was in Guangdong Province, and I will say it again in front of you today. The Eastern Tartars have entered the pass, destroyed our Han clothing, and enslaved our Han people. At this time, everything should be done with the priority of resisting the Tartars."

"Anyone in this world who is determined to restore the Han Dynasty is a loyal and righteous man recognized by the court. I will never let such loyal and righteous people feel disheartened."

"The Qing invaders and my Zheng family are sworn enemies. My Zheng family will fight to the death to help the court restore the country and kill the Qing invaders to repay your highness's kindness."

Zheng Chenggong's face was filled with emotion, and he immediately bowed. The officials from Fujian Province also followed suit and shouted, declaring their loyalty.
(End of this chapter)