Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 394 Contact
Zhang Mingzhen couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. "Your Majesty is absolutely right! Our army has always had no shortage of brave men. Now that Your Majesty is implementing the new system with lightning speed, once the Tartars are completely wiped out, I'm afraid a large number of them will take the initiative to go to sea and fight those red-haired foreigners. By then, I'm afraid we won't be able to stop them."

Zhu Cilang nodded slightly, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes. He knew that all he had to do was build this framework, show the generals and various factions the tangible benefits, and then there would be no shortage of people willing to serve.

Under this system, the "same shares, different voting rights" system is designed to restrain the military and other special groups, ensuring that while they enjoy the benefits, they cannot easily control the entire maritime trade system.

"Your Majesty is indeed a hero who created the world. Since ancient times, many emperors have been obsessed with the benefits of land, but only Your Majesty knows the importance of the ocean. This move will surely benefit the world for thousands of years and bring blessings to future generations!" Zhou Shixian praised repeatedly on the side, his face full of admiration.

Zhu Cilang smiled calmly upon hearing this. "While the benefits of the ocean are indeed important, the benefits of land cannot be ignored. Without a solid land base, how can we support a vast maritime trade system? I want the land, and I will not give up the ocean. The two complement each other, and neither is indispensable."

Having said that, he knew in his heart that at this moment, his goal was still to win over Zhang Mingzhen, rather than to thoroughly discuss future strategic plans, so as not to fall into the misunderstanding of empty talk. Thinking of this, he changed his tone and restrained his words:
"However, now is not the time for grand speeches. Hou Fu, reorganizing the caravan is no easy task, and the future confrontation with the Dutch will be even more dangerous. I'll need your continued attention on this matter."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mingzhen's expression straightened. He solemnly clasped his hands together and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will make the proper arrangements. Within six months, all caravans along the coast will obey the order, without exception."

For him, controlling maritime trade was a piece of cake; merchants, after all, were always subject to the shadow of power. He was confident he could easily manage the caravans and deal with those profit-driven merchants. His real concern was defeating the Dutch on the high seas—after all, their powerful ships and sophisticated firearms made them no ordinary foe.

However, before he could think about it, Zhu Cilang continued, "Besides this, I need Hou Fu to do one more thing for me."

Zhang Mingzhen's heart moved slightly, and he immediately guessed something: "Your Majesty, are you referring to the expansion of power in the South Seas? I know that Your Majesty has always paid close attention to the South Seas. However, the countries in the South Seas are full of princes and nobles, and the forces of all parties are intertwined. If we intervene rashly, I am afraid..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang shook his head slightly and said firmly, "No, what I want is not Southeast Asia, but Taiwan."

Zhang Mingzhen was shocked when he heard this. He frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "Taiwan Island?"

"That's right." Zhu Cilang's eyes were deep as he spoke slowly, "The Dutch have occupied Taiwan for years. How can I sit idly by? Taiwan is a strategic point on the sea, guarding the southeastern gateway. If we can recapture this place, we will truly control the vital passage to the South China Sea."

Zhang Mingzhen suddenly understood what he was saying. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Your Majesty, do you mean to use trade to trade grain and goods with the Dutch in order to infiltrate Taiwan?"

"That's right." Zhu Cilang nodded, his eyes sharp as a knife as he spoke, "Taiwan is rich in sugarcane, sulfur, and other products that the Ming Dynasty needs. If we can infiltrate Taiwan under the guise of trade, we can gradually lay the groundwork and prepare for the battle to recapture it in the future."

Zhang Mingzhen pondered for a moment, a solemn expression gradually emerging on his face. He certainly understood the importance of Taiwan and the profound meaning behind Zhu Cilang's plan. Compared to direct military action, this move was undoubtedly safer.

After all, although the Dutch are strong, they are businessmen after all. If they can approach the island through trade, proceed steadily and cautiously, and wait until the time is right to strike a thundering blow, they can recapture Taiwan in one fell swoop without having to rashly start a war and increase losses.

He took a deep breath, clasped his fists solemnly, and said, "Your Majesty is wise, this plan is brilliant! I will certainly give it my all and will not fail you."

Upon seeing this, Zhu Cilang nodded slowly, feeling slightly relieved. This layout of maritime trade integration and overseas expansion had finally taken the most critical step.

Meanwhile, outside Chikan City on Taiwan Island, undercurrents surged. Guan Shisheng, dressed as a merchant, rode slowly, his expression gentle, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness.

He was currently representing the wealthy Quanzhou merchant Zeng Dinglao, ordered to come to Chikan City to establish contact with important figures within the city. The most crucial goal of this trip was to infiltrate the core of the Dutch power base and contact He Nan, a Han Chinese official whom the Dutch relied on.

Behind him, more than a dozen entourage members blended into the crowd, dressed in various ways. Some resembled ordinary porters and vendors, while others were even unkempt, appearing to be beggars and refugees. But their true identities should not be underestimated—they were all elite spies of the Ming Dynasty's Jinyiwei, tasked with a secret mission to infiltrate Chikan City and pave the way for their future plans.

Crossing the moat bridge, Guan Shisheng skillfully dismounted, his robe fluttering as he subconsciously glanced back at the bustling crowd of merchants and travelers in the distance: mule teams slowly dragging heavy cargo, porters walking steadily with bamboo baskets on their shoulders, and even ragged refugees stumbling into the city.

Amidst the chaotic flow of people, Guan Shisheng's lips curled up slightly. Then, he gently tugged on the reins, leading his horse as if nothing had happened, and followed the caravan as he slowly entered the city gate. The streets within the city were intricate and complex, and even as a place for traveling merchants, the heavy shadow of foreign rule was still evident.

The Dutch occupied Taiwan for many years, leveraging their powerful ships and artillery to establish settlements, forcing both Han Chinese and indigenous people into forced labor and implementing repressive policies to maintain their rule. However, the rise of the Ming Dynasty prompted some local factions to consider change, and He Nan was a key figure among them.

He Nan, a descendant of the remnants of the Southern Ming dynasty, was forced by circumstances to join the Dutch, but he never truly gained their trust. Although he was given partial control over city defense and trade affairs under the Dutch, his power was limited, allowing him to maintain his prestige only among the Han Chinese. To the Dutch, he was merely a pawn to be exploited, while he himself was constantly calculating the optimal moment to turn the tables.

The resurgence of the Ming Dynasty intensified a long-simmering desire within him. In the past, he had held back, both out of concern for his own safety and to await a clearer future. Despite the Dutch's courteous treatment of him, his position remained limited. With the intensification of Dutch exploitation in Taiwan in recent years, and the simmering discontent among the people, he was forced to reconsider his future.

Should he continue to be a lackey of the Dutch, maintaining his precarious position? Or should he make a decisive decision, join the Ming Dynasty, and become a part of the wave of revival?
He had been thinking about this path for a long time, and when the time was right, he would make the final decision. He Nan stared at the soldier on duty in front of him, who was standing unsteadily and his legs were trembling. His tone was as gloomy as water and he said:

"Is this how you check?" The soldier was suddenly startled and broke out in a cold sweat. He didn't dare to look up and could only lower his head, his body shaking uncontrollably.

Although the threat of pirates was temporarily suppressed, the city of Chikan remained extremely alert inside and outside, and the city defenses were tight. Any civilians and merchants entering and leaving had to undergo multiple rounds of inspections to prevent enemy spies from infiltrating.

However, during today's inspection, He Nan once again discovered that someone had deserted their post and disappeared. If it were just him, he could still find a way to conceal it and remedy the situation. But if the Dutch caught him during their inspection, the consequences would be disastrous - the deserter would be either killed or maimed, and as an officer in charge of the city's defense, he would definitely not have an easy time either.

"Now, immediately, go find him!" He Nan roared in a deep voice, suppressing his anger. "If you can't find him, then don't come back!"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers were terrified. Without hesitation, they hurried down from the tower and scattered in search of their missing colleagues. He Nan stood there, his face livid, his eyes gloomy as he stared into the distance. After a moment of silence, his confidant beside him finally couldn't help but speak, his tone filled with uneasiness:
"Brother, we can't go on like this... Lao Wan is in a daze all day, either drunk or asleep. If this continues, sooner or later he'll get us hurt too!"

He Nan sighed softly, frowned deeply, and said in a low voice:
"This time, we can't let him continue on duty. If he continues to indulge himself like this, not only will he be in trouble, but I... and even the rest of us brothers will be buried in the earth with him."

He was right. The Dutch were always ruthless and were especially vigilant towards Han Chinese officers like them. If they made any mistakes, they would either punish them with a cane or kill them as an example to others. In any case, he couldn't let a drunk ruin everyone's life.

"Old Wan," as they called him, had been an honest, hardworking soldier, a brave warrior and a man of character. But six months earlier, his newlywed wife had been abducted, brutally raped, and murdered by the Dutch. He desperately sought justice, but was only flogged and tortured to the point of being bedridden for nearly three months.

At that time, He Nan had tried to seek justice for his brothers, but in the end, he was powerless and couldn't even find the bride's body. Since then, Lao Wan seemed like a different person, soaking in alcohol every day, as if only the numbing pleasure could keep him alive.

He Nan had always felt guilty about this. Seeing his old friend sink to such a state, he had tried various methods - assigning him to duty, hoping to use discipline to cheer him up. Unfortunately, the facts proved that this was just self-deception. Yesterday, he had promised everything, but today, something like this happened again...

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly sighed: "Alas..."

The officer standing nearby couldn't help but shake his head upon seeing this, his brows filled with helplessness. After a moment's silence, he suddenly suggested:

"Brother, how about... all of us brothers pooling some money and finding Lao Wan a new wife? Maybe with a new home, he'll be able to cheer up."

He Nan was slightly startled when he heard this, then frowned and said, "This..."

Seeing this, the officer continued to advise, "The dead cannot be resurrected, but the living must move forward. He's been drinking himself into death all day like this, and sooner or later he'll drink himself to death! If he keeps up this, he'll lose the desire to live, let alone do his duty!"

He Nan remained silent. He certainly understood the logic behind this statement. Lao Wan's decadence was ultimately due to a dead heart. If he could rebuild a family, perhaps it would help him find the meaning of life. Moreover, even if he did find one, whether Lao Wan himself would be willing to accept it was another matter...

He sighed and said slowly: "This matter cannot be done just by saying it."

The officer said anxiously, "But we can't just do nothing, right? If this continues, he'll cause even bigger trouble sooner or later!"

He Nan's brows furrowed even more. He lowered his head and thought for a moment before finally making up his mind. He slowly said, "How about this... Let's have someone go and ask around to see if there's any suitable woman in the city who's willing to marry him. As for Lao Wan, I'll find a way to get him to accept."

The officer heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing this and nodded, "Okay! I'll take care of it."

He Nan looked into the distance with a complicated expression. He didn't know if this method could really cheer up Lao Wan, nor did he know if his choice was right. But he knew that he couldn't let his brothers sink into despair. They had already lost too much and couldn't bear to watch more people fall.

The sea breeze blew in, carrying a salty, damp smell. The bonfire on the tower burned, illuminating He Nan's deep, resolute face. He knew in his heart that Lao Wan was not someone who would swallow this insult. This man was a man of integrity, always competitive, and could not tolerate the slightest humiliation. Now that he was being bullied by the Dutch, he must have felt extremely frustrated.

"Lao Wan is a man who cares about his reputation and is very stubborn. How could he possibly tolerate this?" He Nan sighed softly.

An officer beside him looked around cautiously. Seeing that no one was around, he lowered his voice and said, "Boss, with so few men, are we really going to fight the Dutch to death? We are short of manpower and firearms. If we charge in head-on, we might end up getting our brothers' families killed instead."

At these words, several accompanying soldiers also revealed worried expressions. He Nan narrowed his eyes after hearing this, but did not immediately respond. His men's concerns were not unfounded. If they were alone, confronting the Dutch head-on would be tantamount to seeking death. However, if they could draw on the strength of the Ming army, the situation would be very different.

But—how to contact the Ming army? How to gain their trust? He Nan pondered, there must be Ming spies hiding in the city, perhaps communicating with the outside world through smuggling caravans. But these spies were also wary. If they mistakenly thought they were Dutch probes, things would be even worse. While this route was feasible, it was treading on thin ice. A single misstep could lead to disaster.

(End of this chapter)