My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 254 Emperor Chongzhen: Korea is truly shameless!
As for Yuan Chonghuan...
Regardless of what others think, Zhu Cilang always believed that this guy was a true traitor!

Of course, Chongzhen's punishment of him was also extremely severe. Yuan Chonghuan himself was executed by slow slicing, and his family was also raided and his brothers, wives and children were exiled!
They didn't even leave behind any descendants!

Getting back to the main point, if we are to acknowledge that Mao Wenlong's previous strategic significance was correct, then we must exonerate Mao Wenlong.

First, summon his sons to the capital, then issue an edict to exonerate them, and finally posthumously confer a noble title upon them.

If you want to continue reading, then continue reading.

Those who don't want to continue studying but want to continue fighting on the battlefield should continue to be sent to the battlefield.

In short, it is necessary to demonstrate the court's tolerance and magnanimity.

Of course, the reason for doing this was not entirely to exonerate Mao Wenlong.

More importantly, it was to give an explanation to the soldiers who were about to be stationed in North Korea.

After all, Mao Wenlong, who was stationed in North Korea, died under mysterious circumstances. If they don't get an explanation, they probably won't dare to go there!
While Li Ruolian was out gathering information, Zhu Cilang sent Ma Bao to summon Zheng Chenggong.

Zheng Chenggong was on duty at the Eastern Palace, so he rushed over as soon as he received the news.

"Brother-in-law, sit down and let's talk."

Upon seeing Zheng Chenggong arrive, before the latter could even bow, Zhu Cilang grabbed him and pressed him into a chair.

Having spent some time together, Zheng Chenggong was already familiar with Zhu Cilang's behavior, so he wasn't particularly surprised. He simply asked:
"Your Highness, may I ask what brings you to my court?"

Zhu Cilang did not hesitate at all and directly informed Zheng Chenggong of the Korean delegation's arrival in Beijing and their discussions with the cabinet.

Zheng Chenggong was slightly taken aback when he heard these words, but he quickly showed a look of sudden realization.

However, he still didn't think of himself, and thought that Zhu Cilang was planning to send his father, Zheng Zhilong, to be stationed in North Korea.

Thinking of this, Zheng Chenggong quickly said:

"Your Highness, I think you understand what you mean. Do you want my father to go to Korea?"

"I don't think this is a problem; Father will definitely agree."

Although it was somewhat unreasonable to ask Zheng Zhilong, the Fujian General, to go to Korea to station troops, Zheng Chenggong believed that Zheng Zhilong would not refuse.

After all, the Zheng family had such a close relationship with the royal family, and it was an imperial edict, so how could Zheng Zhilong dare to refuse?

However, Zhu Cilang found this amusing, because he knew that Zheng Chenggong had misunderstood him.

Zhu Cilang then laughed and said:
“Brother-in-law, you guessed wrong. I don’t want my father-in-law to be stationed in Korea. After all, the Fujian area still needs my father-in-law’s navy to guard it.”

"Without my father-in-law, the Fujian area would be in who knows what kind of chaos."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Chenggong's expression instantly became somewhat bewildered.

Because he didn't understand what was going on.

If Zhu Cilang didn't want Zheng Zhilong to go, why did he ask me to discuss this matter?
But he soon understood!

The next second, Zhu Cilang said with a serious expression:

"To tell you the truth, I want you to lead troops to garrison Korea!"

what?
Upon hearing this, Zheng Chenggong's mind went blank, and he looked at Zhu Cilang with a bewildered expression.

At first, he thought he had misheard!
But looking at Zhu Cilang's serious expression, it was clear that he hadn't misheard!

But this shouldn’t be the case!
How could Zhu Cilang allow him to station troops in Korea? This was completely beyond his expectations.

After all, his military service was very short, only about half a year at most, and he only participated in one war, the Battle of Songjin.

But now Zhu Cilang actually wants him to be stationed in Korea, and he is really worried that he is not capable of taking on such an important task.

Thinking of this, Zheng Chenggong could only bite the bullet and say:

"Your Highness, I fear I am not up to the task, for I am far too young."

Zhu Cilang looked at Zheng Chenggong before him, smiled, and said:

"Don't worry, I have already considered this matter, so I will not send you alone. In addition to you, there will be other generals going with you."

"In addition, your father-in-law can also send some trustworthy generals to help you."

"At first, you only need to accumulate experience and gain some training, but eventually you will be needed to take command of this army."

Zhu Cilang wasn't an idiot. Although he knew that Zheng Chenggong was a general with great potential and would definitely be able to take charge in the future, that was something for the future.

Zheng Chenggong currently lacks experience, so it's impossible to entrust him with this important task from the outset.

Therefore, in addition to Zheng Chenggong, some experienced generals should be sent over this time. During this period, Zheng Chenggong can gradually learn and accumulate experience until he can fully control the troops.

At the same time, Zheng Chenggong breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this.

If he were to suddenly take command of an army of tens of thousands, he would genuinely worry that he wouldn't be able to handle it.

But if he learns slowly and then masters it, then there won't be any problem.

After all, he had spent a few years at sea with Zheng Zhilong before, so he had some experience in this area.

Thinking of this, Zheng Chenggong was suddenly moved by something inexplicable, because he had not expected that Zhu Cilang would be so considerate of him.

Immediately afterwards, Zheng Chenggong hurriedly said:

"In that case, I will not refuse any longer. Thank you, Your Highness."

Zhu Cilang smiled and nodded, then, as if suddenly remembering something, continued:
"By the way, my father-in-law will probably be going to the capital in three to five days. We can discuss this matter again then."

After winning the Battle of Songjin, Zheng Zhilong did not return to Fujian. Instead, he led his navy to patrol the Bohai Sea area and wipe out the remaining Jurchen navy that had fled.

In addition to this, he had another very important task: to completely destroy all the Jurchen shipyards along the coast.

After all, if the Jurchens were able to build a navy, they must have had quite a few shipyards.

Therefore, in the past three months, Zheng Zhilong has been busy. He led the Fujian Navy to destroy several Jurchen shipyards along the coast, which rendered the Jurchens unable to develop their navy and ensured the safety of the Ming Dynasty's sea areas.

Not long ago, Zheng Zhilong finally completed his mission and then wrote a letter to Zhu Cilang, saying that he wanted to go to Beijing to see his daughter and son before returning to Fujian.

Zhu Cilang naturally agreed to his father-in-law's request.

After all, his father-in-law had made great contributions in this war, and he really deserved to be received in person and perhaps rewarded with something.

But thinking about it carefully, I guess this father-in-law doesn't need any reward.

After all, he has now become a marquis, his daughter has become a concubine of the crown prince, and his eldest son is about to be appointed as a high-ranking military officer. He really doesn't have much ambition left.

After a pause, Zhu Cilang suddenly seemed to remember something, and then looked at Zheng Chenggong earnestly and said:
“Brother-in-law, as you know, although Father-in-law is still in his prime, he will still get old.”

"So when he gets old, I want you to take over his position and take charge of the Fujian Navy."

"The future goal of the Ming Dynasty is to conquer the entire sea and the land beyond it, so I need you to grow up as soon as possible and become a naval commander even more powerful than your father-in-law!"

"The future of the Ming Dynasty cannot be separated from you!"

"Don't disappoint me!"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Chenggong felt a fire ignite within him, making it impossible for him to remain calm. He abruptly stood up, his expression exceptionally resolute, and said:

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will certainly not disappoint Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Cilang nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this, and after a few more casual words, he let Zheng Chenggong leave.

However, Zheng Chenggong was still somewhat elated when he left.

What just happened felt like a dream to him.
Not long after Zheng Chenggong left, Li Ruolian returned, panting heavily, clearly having rushed there.

Before he could even bow, Zhu Cilang asked directly:

"So, did you find it?"

Li Ruolian quickly said:
"Your Highness, we have found it."

"Mao Wenlong currently has three sons. His eldest son, Mao Chengzhuo, is studying at the Imperial Academy in Nanjing and has already become a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations at the county level). His second son, Mao Chenglu, is a Baihu (a military officer) in Tianjin, and his third son, Mao Youjie, is a Fu Qianhu (a military officer) in Shandong."

Zhu Cilang was not too surprised to hear this, because the situation of Mao Wenlong's three sons was actually similar to what was recorded in history.

After a moment, he continued:

“Send men to bring them back to the capital immediately and tell them that the court wants to exonerate their father, Mao Wenlong.”

Li Ruolian quickly replied:
"The minister obeys the order."

He then withdrew.

Since Mao Wenlong was to be exonerated and granted a noble title, the title would naturally be inherited by Mao Wenlong's eldest son, Mao Chengzhuo. As for his second son, Mao Chenglu, and third son, Mao Youjie, Zhu Cilang planned to have them go to Korea with Zheng Chenggong.

After all, it has only been about fifteen years since Mao Wenlong was killed. There may still be many of Mao Wenlong's former subordinates in the area. Bringing them along would help in winning them over.

After finishing all of this, it was almost noon.

Zhu Cilang thought about it and felt that he should still inform Chongzhen about this matter, otherwise it would be really unreasonable.

Without saying a word, Zhu Cilang went straight to the palace.

When he arrived, he happened to find Emperor Chongzhen and Empress Zhou having lunch.

Upon seeing him arrive, Empress Zhou hurriedly invited him to dine with her.

"Lang'er is here! Haven't eaten yet? Come and sit down!"

Before Empress Zhou could give any instructions, Wang Chengen, who was standing nearby, took the initiative to add a bowl and chopsticks for Zhu Cilang.

Zhu Cilang, naturally, didn't stand on ceremony and sat down to eat.

Although the country is not short of money now, the meals in the imperial harem are not too extravagant. Take this meal for example, it is only six dishes and one soup.

Even ordinary royalty and nobility wouldn't be this shabby.

But Emperor Chongzhen was an emperor who had been terrified of poverty, so even if he was not short of money, he did not want to waste money on things like food and drink.

After finishing her meal, Empress Zhou made up an excuse and left.

After all, she was all too familiar with this kind of scene. Zhu Cilang must have something important to say to Chongzhen, and it was not appropriate for her to be there.

After Empress Zhou left, the father and son strolled outside the palace, found a pavilion to sit in, and Chongzhen spoke directly:

"Speak, what is it this time?" Zhu Cilang didn't stand on ceremony and directly handed the previous secret letter to Chongzhen.

Emperor Chongzhen curiously took the secret letter, opened it, and after a moment, his brows furrowed.

It was obvious that Emperor Chongzhen had not expected that even at this point, Joseon would still dare to send people to the Ming Dynasty.

Whether in history or in reality, Emperor Chongzhen was a very extreme person. He didn't care whether Korea was forced to surrender to the Jurchens or not; he only knew that Korea had surrendered to the Jurchens and was no longer a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty.

So immediately afterward, Chongzhen angrily said:
"Korea is truly shameless. They've already surrendered to the Jurchens, yet they still send envoys to the Ming Dynasty. What do they take the Ming Dynasty for?"

Zhu Cilang was not surprised by Chongzhen's reaction. After all, he had long understood Chongzhen's temperament, and it would be strange if he were not angry.

Then Zhu Cilang said:

"Although I have not yet met the Korean envoys, I have a general idea of ​​why they have come to the Ming Dynasty."

"It's simply because the Ming Dynasty won the final victory in the Battle of Songjin, while the Jurchens suffered a crushing defeat. To make up for the losses after the war, the Jurchens began to plunder Korea on a large scale, causing Korea great suffering. That's why they sent people to ask the Ming Dynasty for help."

Emperor Chongzhen was not surprised to hear this, and simply said:
"I guess that's what you mean too, but what does this have to do with the Ming Dynasty? Korea has long been a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Cilang knew that Chongzhen was still angry, but he didn't care and continued:
"I discussed this matter with the cabinet before, and they all believe that this may be an opportunity."

"Opportunity? What opportunity?"

Emperor Chongzhen was somewhat puzzled.

How did a fickle person come to the Ming Dynasty for help turn into an opportunity?

Zhu Cilang did not answer the question directly, but instead asked:

"Father, do you still remember Mao Wenlong?"

Mao Wenlong.
Upon hearing this familiar name, Chongzhen's memories seemed to be suddenly unlocked, and his expression instantly turned grim.

Because he has not forgotten that Mao Wenlong was a key factor in why Liaodong has become what it is today.

Of course, this was not Mao Wenlong's fault, but Yuan Chonghuan's.

If Yuan Chonghuan hadn't killed Mao Wenlong back then, the Ming Dynasty might not have become what it is today.

The thought of Yuan Chonghuan made Chongzhen's blood pressure rise even higher, but he still patiently asked:

Why are you bringing up Mao Wenlong out of the blue?

Zhu Cilang said:

"Your subject wishes to replicate Mao Wenlong's strategy of stationing troops near Korea to deter the Jurchens from the rear."

"The location is either on or near Pi Island, and the military is mainly naval."

When Emperor Chongzhen heard this, his eyes lit up instantly.

He may have been somewhat extreme and incompetent, but he was still aware of the strategic significance of it.

Therefore, after a brief moment of thought, Chongzhen nodded and said:
“That’s right, that’s right. It can definitely be done. As long as the Ming Dynasty has troops stationed near Korea, the Jurchens will not dare to attack the Ming Dynasty easily again.”

"But who are you planning to send?"

Zhu Cilang had nothing to hide about this matter, and said it directly:
"Your Majesty intends to send Zheng Zhilong's son, Zheng Chenggong, along with some naval commanders. However, in the end, Your Majesty wants Zheng Chenggong to lead this army."

Zheng Chenggong?
When Chongzhen heard the name, he was momentarily confused, as if he couldn't remember who it was.

But he quickly realized something and said:

"Is that the young military officer who was with you when you went to Liaodong before? Zheng Zhilong's son?"

It is clear that Emperor Chongzhen still had some impression of Zheng Chenggong.

Zhu Cilang nodded and said:

"That's right, it's him."

But then, Chongzhen hesitated.

Because he felt that Zheng Chenggong was too young.

However, he understood why Zhu Cilang insisted on sending such a person. After all, Pi Island was isolated overseas, so he had to send someone very close to him to feel at ease and avoid suspicion between the emperor and his minister.

Otherwise, if it leads to a repeat of the Mao Wenlong incident, then it would be a great loss.

Thinking of this, Chongzhen suddenly seemed to remember something and shook his head helplessly.

Because he knew that Zhu Cilang had already made his decision, and the reason he was telling him was just to let him know.

Whether he agreed or not, Zhu Cilang would do it.

If that's the case, why is he still dwelling on this matter?

Thinking of this, Chongzhen said:

"Alright, do whatever you want! I can't change your mind anyway."

And so, the matter was settled.

Of course, the story doesn't end there.

Zhu Cilang then added:
"Since the court has affirmed Mao Wenlong's previous strategic significance and convicted Yuan Chonghuan, it is imperative to exonerate Mao Wenlong."

"Otherwise, the generals and soldiers who are about to be stationed in North Korea will definitely feel uneasy."

Emperor Chongzhen thought for a moment, then nodded and said:
"That's right! Let's exonerate him over there!"

In the original history, Emperor Chongzhen never exonerated Mao Wenlong, and there were many reasons for this.

These factors include political considerations, personal character, and the political situation at court, which can be summarized as follows:

Firstly, Mao Wenlong was arbitrarily killed by Yuan Chonghuan on twelve major charges, and Yuan Chonghuan was later convicted by Emperor Chongzhen of treason and collusion with the enemy.

If Mao Wenlong were exonerated at this time, it would be tantamount to indirectly admitting that Yuan Chonghuan's killing of Mao Wenlong was a miscarriage of justice, which could then shake Chongzhen's judgment on the Yuan Chonghuan case.

Secondly, there was the issue of imperial authority. If Mao Wenlong were exonerated, it would mean that Chongzhen would voluntarily admit that he was wrong. At that time, Chongzhen was sensitive and suspicious, so he was unwilling to admit such a mistake.

Furthermore, Mao Wenlong himself is indeed somewhat controversial. Although he has been restraining the Later Jin, he also has problems such as exaggerating his military achievements, disobeying orders, and expanding his power privately.

This led Emperor Chongzhen to already have some doubts about Mao Wenlong.

Finally, due to the obstruction of some civil officials and the pressure of various situations at the end of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Chongzhen ultimately had no spare time to exonerate a deceased military general.

But now, it seems it's time to exonerate Mao Wenlong.

At this moment, Zhu Cilang added:
"Your subject intends to posthumously confer the title of Marquis upon Mao Wenlong, and then announce it to the world."

Another title?
Emperor Chongzhen was speechless upon hearing this.

However, considering that Mao Wenlong had been wrongfully killed, he eventually agreed.

"Let's do as you say. I will personally write the imperial edict for posthumous conferment and send it to you when it's finished."

Zhu Cilang smiled slightly.

"Thank you, Father."

After the matter was discussed, Zhu Cilang did not linger and left the palace.

Time soon came to night.

Inside the Eastern Palace's sleeping quarters, Zhu Cilang lay on his bed, looking at Zheng Xiaomei beside him. After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke:
"Little sister, I plan to send your brother Zheng Chenggong to garrison Korea to contain the Jurchens. What do you think of this?"

Zheng Xiaomei was initially surprised upon hearing this, but quickly regained her composure.

"Your Highness, I have nothing to say about this matter. Since it is Your Highness's order, I will naturally obey. It is also an honor for my brother."

Zhu Cilang smiled, pulled Zheng Xiaomei into his arms, and then said:
"Your father-in-law will be coming to the capital soon. You and your father can have a good get-together then, since he won't be staying in the capital for long before he has to go back to Fujian."

Zheng Xiaomei nodded obediently.

"The minister and concubine follow the order."

In fact, Zheng Xiaomei didn't have much affection for her father, Zheng Zhilong.

Because she was born to Zheng Zhilong's wife whom he married in Fujian after he became wealthy, and even after marriage, Zheng Zhilong still spent most of his time at sea and rarely came back.

We're lucky if we can meet once or twice a year.

Similarly, as she grew up, she also learned about her future fate.

Her ultimate fate was nothing more than to be used for a marriage alliance with a local official in Fujian. If she was lucky, she would marry a minor official of the fifth or sixth rank and live out her life in mediocrity.

Unexpectedly, an imperial edict was issued, and she suddenly became the Crown Prince's concubine, and her family also rose to prominence, becoming imperial relatives of the Ming Dynasty.

This must be what fate is like!

The night passed quickly.

As the morning sun shone on the majestic city walls, an army escorted a group of people to the capital outside the city gates.

This group of people were none other than envoys from Korea.

When the group of Korean envoys saw the majestic city walls before them, they were instantly stunned. They were even more shocked when they saw the hot air balloon soaring high above the walls.

After all, they had never seen such a magical thing before.

Just then, a young North Korean looked at the soldiers beside him and asked:

"Sir, may I ask what this is, that it can actually fly into the sky?"

Upon hearing this, the officers and soldiers nearby proudly introduced:

"This thing is called a hot air balloon. It is a magical artifact that His Highness the Crown Prince developed. It can fly through the air and is guarded by soldiers. It can see any scene within ten miles."

"This item was a great help when we were in Liaodong. The Ming army was able to keep track of every move the Jurchens made."

So magical!

Upon hearing this, another gasp of surprise rippled through the North Korean delegation.

There's no way around it; for these country bumpkins who've never seen anything like it, a hot air balloon is practically a magical artifact.

(End of this chapter)