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

Chapter 352 Starting to plan for a simpler life ahead of time!

Before Zheng Zhilong could even ask, Ma Bao spoke up:
"My lord, His Highness the Crown Prince has invited you and several young masters to a banquet at the Eastern Palace. Preparations for the banquet have been underway since this afternoon, and we are just waiting for you, my lord."

Zheng Zhilong was overjoyed, because just now he was wondering whether he should go see Zhu Cilang, but unexpectedly Zhu Cilang sent someone to pick him up.

He then respectfully said:
"In that case, please wait a moment, sir, we will go right away."

After saying this, Zheng Zhilong turned and left, and then told his sons about it.

Upon hearing this, the sons immediately went to make preparations. Once everything was ready, they followed Zheng Zhilong to the East Palace for the banquet.

This naturally includes Tagawa Shichizaemon.

However, compared to his other brothers, Tagawa Shichizaemon was somewhat nervous at this moment.

After all, he was different from his brothers. The other brothers were all upright Han Chinese who had grown up in the Ming Dynasty and were very familiar with its culture and etiquette.

Even his elder brother Zheng Chenggong, who was born of the same mother, although he had half Japanese blood, had been growing up in the Ming Dynasty since he was seven years old, and could be considered a true Ming Dynasty person.

He was the only one who had grown up in Japan and knew nothing about the Ming Dynasty, so he was really worried that his brother-in-law might treat him differently.
If that were the case, he really wouldn't know what to do.

Because of the large number of people traveling, the family had to travel in three separate carriages.

Tagawa Shichizaemon rode in one carriage with Zheng Zhilong, while the other brothers rode in two other carriages.

The carriage moved slowly through the night, the clatter of hooves echoing as it headed towards the East Palace.

In ancient times, there were curfews, and the Ming Dynasty was no exception.

The period was roughly from 7 or 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next morning. During this time, ordinary people were strictly prohibited from going out on the streets.

However, in the event of a genuine emergency, it is not entirely devoid of compassion; it is simply that the process is cumbersome and complicated, requiring declaration and verification before permission can be obtained.

However, the situation has been somewhat unusual recently.

Firstly, Emperor Chongzhen's birthday was approaching, and secondly, the end of the year was drawing near, with the atmosphere of the New Year quietly permeating the air.

In order to celebrate this double joy, the imperial court also appropriately relaxed the curfew restrictions.

Therefore, when the carriage was traveling on the street, Tagawa Shichizaemon saw a lively scene that was completely different from that in Japan through the carriage window.

All around, bright red lanterns hung high in front of the shops, their red light like leaping flames, illuminating the street.

While not exactly as bright as during the day, it was bright enough to make every corner of the street clearly visible.

On both sides of the street, the merchants were still enthusiastically hawking their wares.

A fabric seller was loudly praising the softness and novelty of his fabrics.

The vendors selling fried sugar cakes also called out loudly, attracting the attention of passersby.

There were also vendors selling trinkets, who enthusiastically displayed all sorts of novel little items in front of their stalls, attracting children who had come out with their parents to gather around them.

People were also enjoying shopping for their favorite items in this lively atmosphere.

A moment later, several mischievous children, holding newly bought toys, were laughing and playing in the crowd.

That clear, crisp laughter echoed through the night sky like silver bells.

Tagawa Shichizaemon sat quietly in the carriage, looking out at the bustling scene through the curtains, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He had never seen anything like this in Japan.

Japan is still in a relatively backward era, and even its capital city cannot compare with the bustling capital city of Kyoto.

Everything in the capital city filled him with wonder and awe, as if he had opened a door to another world.

After a moment of reflection, Tagawa Shichizaemon slowly lowered the curtain, then turned to look at Zheng Zhilong beside him, his eyes filled with worry and unease as he asked:

"Father, do you think His Highness the Crown Prince will really accept me? Will he look down on me because of my status?"

Although his voice wasn't loud, it revealed his nervousness and anticipation.

Zheng Zhilong was taken aback when he heard him speak, but then he understood what his son was worried about.

He smiled slightly and then comforted her:
"Don't worry, His Highness the Crown Prince is a very easy person to get along with. He won't look down on you because of your status."

When Zheng Zhilong said this, his eyes were full of confidence and certainty.

His certainty was not without merit.

Firstly, when Zhu Cilang first met Zheng Chenggong, he showed great admiration for him and even personally appointed Zheng Chenggong as a guard of the Eastern Palace.

Only six months later, Zheng Chenggong was entrusted with leading the Ming Dynasty navy to guard Pi Island. What a great trust this showed.
It should be noted that Zheng Chenggong, like Tagawa Shichizaemon, was born to his wife who lived far away in Japan.

Therefore, in Zheng Zhilong's view, since Zhu Cilang valued Zheng Chenggong so much, Tagawa Shichizaemon should also receive similar treatment.

Of course, this is clearly just Zheng Zhilong's wishful thinking!

The reason why Zhu Cilang valued Zheng Chenggong so much was not only because he was Zheng Zhilong's son, but more importantly because Zheng Chenggong was a renowned national hero.

In the original history, even after the Ming Dynasty had fallen, Zheng Chenggong still led the Zheng family army to bravely advance on the road of resisting the Qing Dynasty, and made great achievements in defending the country's territory and dignity until his death!

However, even if Tagawa Shichizaemon didn't have this identity, Zhu Cilang still valued him to some extent.

After all, in the original history, Tagawa Shichizaemon provided a great deal of assistance to Zheng Chenggong's anti-Qing cause.

Without him, Zheng Chenggong's resistance against the Qing dynasty probably wouldn't have lasted much longer.

In this respect, Tagawa Shichizaemon can also be considered a hero who resisted the Qing Dynasty.

Of course, another very important point is that Tagawa Shichizaemon has always lived in Japan, and given Zheng Zhilong's relationship with his maternal grandfather, his status in Japan, while not extremely high, is certainly not low either.

Zhu Cilang had his own plans. He wanted to use Tagawa Shichizaemon's influence and resources in Japan to prepare for a future attack on Japan.

Of course, Tagawa Shichizaemon is unaware of these complicated reasons at the moment.

After receiving Zheng Zhilong's reply, his tense heart relaxed a little, and a relaxed smile appeared on his face.

The carriage continued its smooth journey, with bustling scenes flashing by outside the window, like a flowing painting.

About fifteen minutes later, the carriage finally came to a slow stop.

Tagawa Shichizaemon lifted the carriage curtain, and a magnificent palace appeared before him—it was none other than the Eastern Palace.

At this moment, the entire entrance to the East Palace was already brightly lit, as if it were daytime.

Large red lanterns are arranged in a row along the palace wall, clearly outlining the palace's silhouette.

The stone lions in front of the palace gate appeared even more majestic and solemn under the lights.

Zhu Cilang and Zheng Xiaomei stood quietly at the door, waiting for Zheng Zhilong and his brothers-in-law to arrive.

Therefore, when Zheng Zhilong got off the sedan chair, he immediately saw Zhu Cilang coming to greet him.

Zheng Zhilong felt a warmth in his heart; he hadn't expected the Crown Prince to come personally to greet him. Realizing this, he quickly alighted from the carriage and respectfully cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Highness, how could I dare to let you come out to greet me personally?"

Zhu Cilang then stepped forward and grasped Zheng Zhilong's large hand, then smiled and said:
"Father-in-law, please don't be so polite. We're family, there's no need for such formalities."

His sincere and cheerful smile immediately dispelled much of Zheng Zhilong's tension and restraint.

Just then, Zheng Zhilong's other sons, including Tagawa Shichizaemon, also got out of the car.

Then, respectfully cupping his hands, he said:

"Your Highness, I pay my respects!"

With the help of the lamplight, Zhu Cilang was able to see their faces clearly.

He already knew all of his brothers-in-law; they were not strangers to each other.

However, when Zhu Cilang's gaze fell on Tagawa Shichizaemon, he paused for a moment.

Although he had never met Tagawa Shichizaemon, based on the current situation, this should be his brother-in-law from Japan.

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang immediately smiled and said:

"This must be Tagawa Shichizaemon, another of my brothers-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Tagawa Shichizaemon felt that the prince before him was far too kind.

His previous worries and anxieties vanished at that moment.

He then quickly bowed and said respectfully:
"Your subject is Tagawa Shichizaemon, paying respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

As he spoke, his voice carried a hint of excitement and awe.

Zhu Cilang quickly stepped forward to help him up, then said with a smile:

"Didn't I already say? We're all family, no need to be so polite. Come, come, come with me, the food's getting cold."

Seeing Zhu Cilang's warm and approachable manner, everyone present felt an immense sense of warmth in their hearts.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang tried to pull Zheng Zhilong inside.

But the moment he turned around, he saw Zheng Xiaomei looking at him with amusement, but her eyes seemed to hold a hint of resentment.
Zhu Cilang was slightly taken aback at first, then, as if he had thought of something, he said somewhat awkwardly:
"I'm actually a little too happy. Little sister, go and meet your father."

After saying this, Zhu Cilang stepped aside and let Zheng Xiaomei move to the front.

I was a little too excited before, and I forgot that Zheng Xiaomei hadn't greeted Zheng Zhilong yet!

Immediately afterwards, Zheng Zhilong saw his daughter.

Zheng Xiaomei was naturally very happy to see Zheng Zhilong, and immediately said:
"I hope Father is well!"

Zheng Zhilong responded with a beaming smile:
"It's been half a year since I last saw you, and I've missed you terribly."

Next, Zheng Xiaomei met the other brothers one by one, including Tagawa Shichizaemon.

Tagawa Shichizaemon naturally treated his younger sister, whom he had never met, with great respect.

After exchanging pleasantries, the group entered the East Palace under Zhu Cilang's guidance.

Meanwhile, a large, fine banquet had already been laid out.

After everyone was seated, Zhu Cilang warmly greeted them:
"Today is a family dinner, so everyone please don't stand on ceremony."

Upon hearing this, the group naturally smiled and agreed, picking up their chopsticks and beginning to savor the delicious food.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Zheng Zhilong knew that Zhu Cilang would definitely have something to say next.

So he first coughed lightly, and then looked at Zhu Cilang beside him and said:
"Your Highness, my sons have matters to attend to tomorrow. Perhaps we should send them back first, and I will stay here to continue our drinks with Your Highness?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang couldn't help but give his father-in-law a thumbs up in his heart, because his father-in-law was truly too sensible.

There are some things he doesn't need to say; his father-in-law already knows what to do.

So he nodded immediately, but then added:
"Tagawa Shichizaemon, please stay. I have some questions for you."

Tagawa Shichizaemon hurriedly said:
"My minister obeys."

Immediately afterwards, the other brothers-in-law bowed and then left.

Knowing that the discussion was about state affairs, Zheng Xiaomei took her leave.

For a moment, only Zheng Zhilong, Zhu Cilang, and Tagawa Shichizaemon remained in the room.

Zhu Cilang picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then said with a smile:

"Father-in-law, you have done a great service this time. What reward would you like?"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhilong replied humbly:

"Your Highness is too kind. I was merely doing my duty. How could I possibly accept any reward?"

Zheng Zhilong genuinely didn't want any reward; he was already very satisfied with the current status of his Zheng family.

As the commander-in-chief of the Fujian Navy, he commanded the naval forces of Fujian and held a pivotal position in Southeast Asia.

Her son, Zheng Chenggong, was a general in the imperial court, and her other sons were all fourth-rank guerrilla generals. Her daughter was even a concubine of the crown prince.

Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, she will become a Noble Consort. What more could he possibly want?

Zhu Cilang didn't say anything when he heard Zheng Zhilong's words. After all, even if Zheng Zhilong didn't want it, he still had to be rewarded. However, that would have to wait until later.

Then, he looked at Zheng Zhilong again and slowly said:
"Father-in-law, didn't I ask you to inquire about the situation in Japan before? I wonder how it went?"

Sure enough, the next thing we'll talk about is this!
Zheng Zhilong understood, and then subconsciously glanced at Ma Bao not far away.

Upon seeing this, Ma Bao quickly stepped forward, holding a box in his hands.

"Your Highness, this is what the Marquis just gave to me."

Zhu Cilang curiously opened it and found that it contained papers similar to letters, which were neatly stacked together and wrapped in a thin layer of silk.

Zheng Zhilong then explained from the side:

"Your Highness, all the details regarding Japan are here!"

Zheng Zhilong originally intended to hand the item to Zhu Cilang himself, but Zhu Cilang was so enthusiastic when they first met that Zheng Zhilong couldn't find a suitable opportunity. Therefore, he could only hand it to Ma Bao during a break.

Zhu Cilang casually opened one of the sheets and discovered that there were two kinds of characters on it: one was Chinese characters and the other was Japanese.

Moreover, the content was actually a document about Japan implementing a certain policy, which would have been similar to a memorial to the emperor in the Ming Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)