Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 416 Reorganization
In Dinghai Camp, Zheng Cai and Huang Xiaoqing were sitting in their tents, with teacups in front of them, but neither of them moved.
Huang Xiaoqing looked at Zheng Cai opposite him, but did not speak. Zheng Cai had just sent someone into the camp to discuss important matters, but he was evasive and did not explain clearly. Huang Xiaoqing did not understand what Zheng Cai's purpose was for a while.
Zheng Cai saw that Huang Xiaoqing was silent, but he didn't keep it a secret. His face darkened and he spoke.

"I asked General Huang to come here today because I have something important to tell you. I received news from scouts in the army that the Marquis of Sulu was killed by the Qing invaders under the city of Ningbo two days ago."

Huang Xiaoqing stood up in shock when he heard this. He originally thought that Zheng Cai invited him here today because of the dispute in the army over firewood collection in the past few days, but he did not expect to hear such news.

Huang Xiaoqing looked pale, and he forced a smile on his face. He stared at Zheng Cai opposite him and said

"How is this possible? General Zheng, please stop joking."

"General Zheng, do you think that I will take this as a joke?"

Huang Xiaoqing looked at Zheng Cai with a serious expression, and the last bit of luck in his heart finally disappeared completely. Huang Xiaoqing felt dizzy and weak under his feet, and he sat down on the chair.
Zheng Cai looked at Huang Xiaoqing, whose face was pale, and said

"After I learned the news, I immediately ordered the news to be banned. Now only I, General Yang and General Huang know about this in the camp. What is General Huang going to do now?"

Huang Xiaoqing saw Zheng Cai coming, but his face was confused. Huang Xiaoqing suddenly knew the news, and his mind was already in chaos. How could he know how to respond?

Zheng Cai saw that Huang Xiaoqing was silent, but she didn't care. She turned her eyes and continued to speak.

"Although the matter of Marquis Su Lu is regrettable, I think the most urgent task at this time is to return to the island as soon as possible to appease the soldiers of Zhoushan Camp. What do you think, General Huang?"

"Yes, we must return to the island as soon as possible. We must not stay in the camp..."

Huang Xiaoqing felt as if he had found his backbone after hearing what Zheng Cai said, and he subconsciously agreed.

Zhoushan Camp is the base of the Huang family. Huang Binqing suddenly died in battle. At this time, he must take control of Zhoushan Camp as soon as possible and must not let any chaos occur in the camp.
Huang Xiaoqing had only said half of it when he immediately realized something was wrong. Huang Xiaoqing looked towards Zheng Cai opposite him, and his expression suddenly became alert. What Zheng Cai said was true, but how could Zheng Cai be so kind!

The three armies have lived together on the island for several years. Although they cannot be said to be united, they at least regard each other as enemies and wish that the other party would die immediately so that they can swallow up the other party's power.
Huang Xiaoqing was suspicious. Zheng Cai was so kind to let him go back to the island. Was he planning to trick him back to the island and then take over the entire Zhoushan camp?
Zheng Cai saw the expression on Huang Xiaoqing's face and immediately understood what Huang Xiaoqing was thinking. However, Zheng Cai's face remained calm and she said

"Do you think that I have bad intentions and want to swallow up your Zhoushan Camp?"

Huang Xiaoqing did not respond when he heard this, but this silence itself showed Huang Xiaoqing's attitude. He suspected that Zheng Cai had bad intentions!

Zheng Cai leaned back in her chair, but didn't care, and said softly
"You should be thankful that Huang Binqing died at this time. If it had happened a few years earlier, I would never have missed such an opportunity."

"Since your Zhoushan Camp has lost its commander, the camp should be handed over to someone more capable. Unfortunately, the current situation is different from previous years."

Zheng Cai looked regretful, glanced at Huang Xiaoqing opposite him, and then continued to speak

"Do you know that Lu Jianguo is ready to submit a petition to withdraw from the vassal state?"

Huang Xiaoqing was originally wary of Zheng Cai, but when he suddenly heard the news that Lu Jianguo had withdrawn from the vassal state, he was in a state of panic again.

Whether it was Zhoushan Camp or Zheng Cai, whether they admitted it or not, the soldiers stationed in Zhoushan were already considered by the outside world to be officials of the Lu Regent. If the Lu Regent withdrew his fiefdom and returned to Guangdong, what would they do?

Huang Xiaoqing looked flustered, but Zheng Cai didn't care and continued speaking.

"Zhang Mingzhen and his people have always been obedient, and they have very good relations with the civil officials Xiong Ruolin and Qian Sulue, while Xiong Ruolin and Qian Sulue have close contacts with the central government of Guangdong Province."

"They have already had a way out, but the Fujian Camp under my command and your Zhoushan Camp are considered to be bullies in the eyes of the Guangdong Provincial Court."

"Once Lu Jianguo withdraws from his fiefdom, have you ever thought about how our two tribes will cope with the situation? You are not planning to surrender to the Qing invaders, are you?"

"How can we surrender to those Tartars when we have such a blood feud?"

Huang Xiaoqing immediately spoke in anger when he heard this. Zheng Cai nodded slightly and continued

"That's it. The Guangdong court has always been overbearing. Even if we can still command the army after we submit to the court, I'm afraid that most of the soldiers under our command will be cut by the court."

"Even if I swallow up your troops now, I'm afraid they will still have to be taken by the court in the end. Why should I waste my time on this?"

"Lu Jianguo's retreat is a foregone conclusion. At this moment, the only way for our two families to advance and retreat together is to make the court wary and demand a good price from the court. Do you understand?"

Huang Xiaoqing's expression was slightly relieved when he heard this. Compared with Zheng Cai's heroic efforts to help the Huang family, he believed that this person had other intentions.
Zheng Cai's explanation at this time is obviously more in line with Huang Xiaoqing's imagination of Zheng Cai.
Zheng Cai is naturally capable of annexing Zhoushan Camp, but the two camps have always been at odds with each other. Even if Zheng Cai can forcibly swallow Zhoushan Camp, Min Camp will inevitably suffer damage.
Lu Jianguo is about to retire, Zheng Cai has already started looking for a way out for himself, and his mind is no longer on expanding the army

Whether it was the Zhoushan Camp or the Fujian Camp under Zheng Cai, they were not favored by the Guangdong Provincial Court.
Zheng Cai obviously wanted to find another party to share the pressure with him so that he could bargain with the Guangdong Provincial Court and get a good price for himself.

Seeing Huang Xiaoqing's expression relax, Zheng Cai's eyes flashed with a hint of sternness, and she spoke again

"This matter cannot be delayed. Now that you understand my intention, you can return to the camp and reorganize your troops. Come back to the island with me today."

Huang Xiaoqing was hesitant when he heard this. Although Zheng Cai's reason was reasonable, Huang Xiaoqing did not let down his guard against Zheng Cai.
Although Zheng Cai would not fabricate the news of Huang Binqing's death, the incident was too sudden, and Huang Xiaoqing had to verify it himself.

Huang Xiaoqing thought of this and said in a deep voice

"General Zheng, please wait for two days. I will immediately send people to Ningbo to investigate. As long as we can find any news from Ningbo, I will immediately..."

Huang Xiaoqing was interrupted before he could finish his words. Zheng Cai's expression suddenly turned cold and he shouted in a cold voice:
"I have explained all the pros and cons to you, yet you still doubt me. You don't know what is good for you. If you want to die, then go ahead and die."

"Now that the Tartar reinforcements have killed Huang Binqing, they will surely attack Dinghai next. At this point, you are still talking about staying for two more days."

"I might as well tell you that I and General Yang will return to Zhoushan this afternoon. Since you don't want to leave, then stay in Dinghai and wait for death."

"Someone, send this guy out!"

Zheng Lian, who was standing by, immediately stepped forward upon hearing this and was about to take Huang Xiaoqing away. Huang Xiaoqing became flustered when he saw Zheng Cai suddenly turn hostile.

Huang Binqing couldn't tell whether what Zheng Cai said was true or false. But if Zheng Cai and his army left at this time, once the Qing army reinforcements arrived in Dinghai, Huang Xiaoqing would have no way out.

Huang Xiaoqing saw Zheng Lian leading his personal soldiers forward, and without thinking much, he spoke immediately.

"Please calm down, Duke Jianguo. I have no doubts about you. I was just flustered and said something that I didn't think was right. Please forgive me, Duke Jianguo."

Zheng Cai saw Huang Xiaoqing bowing and the anger on his face seemed to ease a little. He snorted coldly and said
"I know you don't believe me, but I don't have time to waste with you right now."

"It's not that I look down on you. As long as I and General Yang leave, Zhang Jie in Dinghai City can strangle all of you with just the few troops under your command."

"What's the point of you verifying the news now? Huang Binqing's army is fully equipped with ships and troops. If Huang Binqing is fine, he can return to Zhoushan. If Huang Binqing has been defeated, you should rush back to Zhoushan to reorganize the troops." "Don't forget that Zhang Mingzhen and his men are already on the island."

Huang Xiaoqing's expression changed slightly when he heard this. Zheng Cai might have swallowed up Zhoushan Camp, but Zhang Mingzhen and others might have swallowed up Zhoushan Camp as well, and this person's motive was even stronger than Zheng Cai's.

Zhang Mingzhen and his men already have a way out. They don't need Zhoushan Camp to share the pressure. The more soldiers and horses Zhang Mingzhen and his men have, the more they will be valued by the court after they surrender.

Zheng Cai, Huang Xiaoqing and others are not on the island at this time. If Zhang Mingzhen and others get the news, they will never miss this great opportunity.
Huang Xiaoqing thought of this and finally stopped hesitating. He gritted his teeth and said

"I will return to the camp to gather my troops and follow the Duke back to the island today."

"Then prepare quickly. The Tartars may attack at any time. Don't waste any more time."

Zheng Cai waved his hand directly. Huang Xiaoqing bowed and said goodbye. He was escorted out of the camp by Zheng Lian.
After Huang Xiaoqing left, Zheng Cai was the only one left in the tent. Zheng Cai sat on a chair, but the dissatisfaction on her face had disappeared.

Zheng Cai looked at Huang Xiaoqing's receding back, and his expression suddenly darkened. After a moment of silence, Zheng Cai suddenly shouted angrily:
"What the hell is going on!"

Zheng Cai, the Duke of Jianguo, who was conferred the title of Duke by the Regent of Lu, was actually helping the court of Guangdong Province to lure back the rebel generals, and even helping the court to annex the troops on the island. This was simply outrageous.
Zheng Cai felt annoyed. Ever since she met Zhang Jiayu in Fujian Province, Zheng Cai seemed to have never encountered any good things.

First, the troops were transported from Zhongzuo, then troops were sent from Zhoushan, and Ningbo withdrew its troops. Then, Huang Xiaoqing was lured back to reorganize the Zhoushan camp. It seemed that whenever Zheng Cai met Zhang Jiayu, he had been giving in and had never won.

In fact, Zheng Cai also knew that it was not Zhang Jiayu who asked him to give in, but the Guangdong Provincial Government behind Zhang Jiayu who asked him to give in.

During the Longwu Dynasty, Zhang Jiayu was also a military supervisor in Zheng Cai's army. No matter what happened then, Zheng Cai still did whatever he wanted, and Zhang Jiayu had no way to stop him.
The reason why Zheng Cai kept giving in at this time was that the Guangdong Provincial Government was too powerful.
Emperor Longwu was only an emperor, but Emperor Yongli of Guangdong Province had an army of more than 100,000 soldiers under his command.

Zheng Cai looked annoyed, but after thinking for a while, she still couldn't think of any way to resist, so she could only walk away angrily.
Zheng Cai has already realized that not only this time, he will probably keep giving in in the future.

Zheng Cai was not lying. The Geng and Yang camps were already reorganizing their troops and were going to withdraw to the island that afternoon.
When the Qing reinforcements arrived, the two thousand men Zheng Cai had left in Ningbo must have been gone. It was meaningless to stay in Dinghai at this time.

Huang Xiaoqing said that he did not dare to doubt Zheng Cai, but after returning to the camp, he immediately sent people to Ningbo to inquire about the news. Before the scouts sent by Huang Xiaoqing arrived in Ningbo, they encountered the fleeing soldiers from Ningbo on the way.

After Huang Xiaoqing confirmed that Huang Binqing had really been killed by the Qing army, he did not hesitate any longer and returned to Zhoushan with Zheng Cai and others.
Dinghai and Zhoushan are not far apart. The fleet sailed overnight and arrived outside Zhoushan Island early the next morning.

Huang Xiaoqing looked at the flag of Zhoushan Camp flying on the top of Cengang City, and his expression was slightly relieved.

When the ship entered the port, Huang Xiaoqing saw Huang Dazhen waiting on the shore, and his expression relaxed.

Huang Xiaoqing led several of his personal soldiers down from the boat, but just as Huang Xiaoqing got off the boat, hundreds of soldiers rushed out and surrounded Huang Xiaoqing and his companions.

Huang Dazhen, who was originally standing in the front, suddenly stepped back, revealing Zhang Jiayu and Zhang Mingzhen standing behind. Huang Xiaoqing's face turned pale when he saw the two figures.

Huang Xiaoqing suddenly looked behind him and saw that outside the harbor, the Min camp fleet in the rear was lined up on both sides, with the gun ports open and the black muzzles facing forward, surrounding the Zhoushan camp warships in the front.

Huang Xiaoqing didn't understand at this time that he had obviously fallen into a trap. Zheng Cai had actually joined forces with Lu Jianguo and others to swallow up his Zhoushan camp.

Huang Xiaoqing looked at Huang Dazhen, who was bowing his head, with an angry look on his face, and shouted angrily
"Huang Dazhen, my elder brother treated you well. He never treated you unfairly with any official positions or gold. My elder brother entrusted three thousand soldiers to you, and you dared to betray my Huang family!"

Huang Dazhen saw Huang Xiaoqing struggling frantically, and his face was filled with shame. He looked away, but he did not dare to look at Huang Xiaoqing.

Zhang Jiayu heard what Huang Xiaoqing said, his face was also cold, and he shouted directly
"Huang Xiaoqing, you still don't repent at this point. Huang Binqing is just a general appointed by the court. If there is no court, there would be no Zhoushan Camp."

"Zhoushan Camp is the imperial army, not your Huang family's private army!"

Zhang Jiayu's words were actually not accurate. After the Hongguang period, Zhoushan Camp had not received any food or money from the imperial court.

Zhoushan Battalion has been almost entirely dependent on Huang Binqing to raise money to pay the army over the years. Zhoushan Battalion is actually the private army of the Huang family, but it is named the Ming Dynasty Zhoushan Battalion.
Huang Xiaoqing didn't care at this time, just stared at Huang Dazhen and kept cursing

After Zheng Cai and Yang Geng surrounded the Zhoushan Camp warship, they finally entered the harbor and landed. Huang Xiaoqing was furious when he saw Zheng Cai's figure and cursed angrily:
"Zheng Cai, don't be complacent. The imperial court swallowed up my Zhoushan camp today, and it will swallow up you, Zheng Cai, tomorrow."

"When you were in Fujian Province, you rebelled against Guangdong and defected to Shandong. Do you think the imperial court will let you go? I will see how you die in the future."

Zheng Cai's face darkened, but he didn't pay attention to Huang Xiaoqing. Zheng Cai walked forward, looked at Zhang Jiayu in front of him, and said in a deep voice
"How is Zhang Futai going to deal with the Zhoushan Camp and Huang Xiaoqing?"

Although Huang Xiaoqing was struggling hard at this time, he couldn't help but calm down after hearing this. Zhang Jiayu looked at Zheng Caiyang Geng, who looked serious, but his face was calm. He said

"I have already said before that the Zhoushan Camp will be temporarily under the command of Prince Lu, and the imperial court will select military officers to reorganize it."

"The imperial court will not harm any of the generals in Zhoushan Camp, their official positions will remain unchanged, and their property will also belong to them, but the generals above the rank of Qianzong in the camp must return to Guangdong Province with me and wait for the imperial court to deploy them."

Zheng Cai and Yang Geng got to know each other and looked a little relieved. This was actually asking the generals of Zhoushan Camp to hand over their military power and retain their official positions and wealth.
Although the generals of Zhoushan Camp are now back in the court, once they return to Guangdong Province, Zhoushan Camp will probably have nothing to do with them anymore.

Zhang Jiayu glanced at Zheng Caiyang Geng opposite him and said

"This officer's measures are not only effective for the Zhoushan Camp, but also for the other generals on the island."

Zheng Cai and Yang Geng's expressions changed slightly, knowing that Zhang Jiayu was making conditions for them, but they did not respond.

Zhang Jiayu saw that the two were silent, but he did not continue to force them. The two men still had a large army in their hands, and they might not be willing to give up their military power for a while.
But it doesn't matter. Zheng Cai and Yang Geng are unwilling, but the generals under their command may not be unwilling.

Zhang Jiayu just said that these conditions are also valid for the other generals on the island. These other generals do not only refer to Zheng Cai and Yang Geng.

Zhang Jiayu looked at Huang Xiaoqing opposite him, his face suddenly darkened, and he shouted coldly

"Huang Xiaoqing, the imperial court wants to reorganize the Zhoushan camp to resist the Qing invaders. Will you obey the order?"

"I will obey your order..."

Huang Binqing's face changed several times, but he finally bowed his head.

Huang Xiaoqing originally thought that he would be killed when he was caught, so he cursed wildly. But when he suddenly heard that he could not only save his life, but also keep his official position and wealth, he finally gave up struggling and accepted the order directly.

Huang Xiaoqing knew very well that Zhang Jiayu didn't kill him not because it was difficult to kill him, but because Zhang Jiayu wanted to use him as a horse bone to lure Zheng Cai and the others to surrender.
If he still doesn't know what's good for him now, he will be courting death.

After Huang Xiaoqing bowed his head, Zhang Jiayu ignored the attitude of Zheng Cai and others and started to reorganize the Zhoushan Camp Navy on the island.
Ningbo and Zhoushan were in turmoil, and the news of the war in Zhejiang Province finally reached the central governments of Ming and Qing.
(End of this chapter)