Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Just yesterday, Kuiyi personally led his men to wipe out the Zeng family's smuggling caravan, cracking down on the city's black market, causing Liu Xun to suffer heavy losses. The Zeng family's covert involvement in the smuggling trade was completely severed, and Liu Xun also lost a large amount of money.

Yet, outwardly, he continued to greet the Dutch soldiers with a smile, but secretly, he was seething with rage. This undoubtedly served Guan Shisheng well. Seizing this opportunity, He Nan doubled down, casually fanning the flames, hinting that if Liu Xun didn't act, the Dutch would sooner or later exact their doom. Meanwhile, Guan Shisheng had already orchestrated a frame-up plan, leaving Liu Xun with no escape route. Now, Liu Xun was not only completely under their control, but had even begun to actively cooperate. He Xing led the team to closely monitor the South Gate, ensuring a foolproof situation.

"The situation is already formed." He Nan narrowed his eyes slightly, mentally planning the final steps. He wasn't worried about Liu Xun turning him in, because their plan was so tightly linked that it left no loopholes. If Liu Xun dared to "surrender" to Kiyi, Kiyi might not trust him and might even take him into custody.

After all, to the Dutch, Liu Xun and He Nan were equally suspicious. Furthermore, the city was in turmoil, and what Kii feared most was the betrayal of a Han general. Furthermore, He Nan had completely surrendered to the Ming court and the Li family, and with someone working for him, even if he were arrested, he still had a chance to turn the tables.

But Liu Xun was different. He was alone. If he was caught by the Dutch, he would be completely reduced to a fish on the chopping board and would never be able to turn things around.

He Nan knew full well that Liu Xun's hesitation was merely a last-ditch effort. The Dutch Governor-General and Koichi's distrust of the Han generals had been fully exposed. Recently, a Han general who had previously pledged allegiance to the Dutch had even been arbitrarily executed for "harboring dissenting motives." Furthermore, the contrast between former colleagues now rising to prominence within the Ming army pierced the hearts of these Han generals, feeling the Dutch's neglect.

"As you can see, the Dutch have long lost their trust in you." He Nan's tone was calm, but each word was powerful. "Although you hold military power, in the eyes of Koichi and the Governor-General, you are nothing more than a pawn, ready to be sacrificed at any moment. If you don't make a decision now, do you think you can survive until the next reckoning?"

Liu Xun was silent for a long time, and finally sighed, a look of determination flashing in his eyes: "What exactly do you want me to do?"

He Nan smiled, knowing the matter was settled. He knew clearly that this change was moving in a direction that would benefit the Ming army. While it did carry risks, the Ming army's strength was there, and the Li family's immense influence in Fujian had already sown seeds of hope in the hearts of many Han army generals.

Over the years, the Ming army's rule in Fujian had become increasingly solid, and the Li family had become a pivotal force within the local political landscape. Even Han officers within the city, even those who had previously pledged allegiance to the Dutch, had to acknowledge one fact: the Ming army was stronger, and the Li family's influence was more far-reaching. If they were to find a way out, joining the Ming court was the safest option.

That night, He Nan reconfirmed the safety of all his covert forces before quietly returning to his residence. He had no further hesitation. Now, he only needed to wait for Zhu Cilang's decision to completely disrupt Chikan City's defenses.

Thinking of this, He Nan looked relaxed, with a smile on his lips, as if everything was under control.

"Liu Xun has been completely intimidated by us," he said softly, a hint of complacency in his tone. "When the time comes, we will initiate the rebellion here, and the Tartars' attention will inevitably be drawn there. As long as the South Gate seizes the opportunity to act, when the reinforcements arrive, we will be ready to complete the mission."

As he spoke, he picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip. Although he knew the situation was dangerous, at this moment he felt a sense of pleasure that the game was about to end.

"Hmph, Lord He personally sacrificed his status and willingly offered Liu Xun his services. If he still doesn't appreciate this favor, then he's truly tired of living." Guan Shisheng snorted coldly, a sharp look between his brows. "However, I suspect he'll just wait and see, waiting for reinforcements to arrive before raising his flag. Unfortunately, He Xing won't give him that chance."

Guan Shisheng paused, his expression growing graver. "What's more, that old fox, Kouyi, suddenly took action, leading his troops to cut off the smuggling route and arresting quite a few people. On the surface, this was a warning to the officers in the city, but in reality, it only caused panic among the people. Rumors are spreading throughout the city, including one that once the Dutch Governor leaves, the guards at all the city gates will be changed immediately. Everyone is speculating whether something has happened behind the scenes, and the situation is becoming increasingly tense."

At this point, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "This gives us an opportunity. Although Kouyi is capable, he's arrogant and has always bullied the Han people. Which of the officers and merchants in the city doesn't hold a grudge against him? The more he pressures them, the more angry he becomes. Plus, with the rotation of guards imminent, the situation is getting more and more tense. Now is the perfect time to start an uprising."

He Nan nodded. Kii-yi's stubbornness and arrogance had already aroused public outrage in the city. If it weren't for the fear of the Dutch's violent suppression, some would have risen up long ago.

"Lord He." Guan Shisheng's tone softened, his eyes more sincere. "His Majesty was right about you. You are both brave and resourceful, and will surely be a rising star in the future. To be honest, His Majesty even specifically instructed that even if the battle of Chikan City fails, your safe departure must be ensured. How can a mere city compare to Lord He's talents?"

Guan Shisheng rarely smiled, his tone tinged with genuine respect. He recalled He Nan's conversation with Liu Xun. It seemed casual, but in reality, He Nan was meticulously crafting his tactics, using precise words to intimidate and induce. If he hadn't been forewarned, he'd have been fooled too.

"Captain Guan, you're too kind." He Nan bowed slightly, his smile deepening. He knew the compliment was meant to be a compliment, and from Guan Shisheng's attitude, he understood even more clearly how much he held a place in Zhu Cilang's heart.

Thinking of this, He Nan couldn't help but feel more confident. Today, he is no longer just a solitary minister, but truly stands on the chessboard of the Ming Emperor. However, the current situation is complicated, and he still dare not take it lightly.

"But—" He Nan put down his teacup, his expression growing more serious. "Has your Majesty received any definite news? When will you send troops to reclaim Chikan?"

"If my estimate is correct, Kiichi will probably preside over the rotation within three days." He said in a low voice, frowning slightly, "He's cutting off the smuggling route this time to scare the officers in the city. If we don't take action now, once the city gates are fully rotated, all our arrangements will be in vain."

Upon hearing this, Guan Shisheng's expression became serious.

"Master He, I've already considered this." He said in a deep voice, "He Xing has already made all the arrangements. At the critical moment, the South Gate can take action at any time. The people in the city have long been resentful of Kui Yi. As long as the news gets out, there will be no shortage of responses. Plus, if Liu Xun coordinates, there will definitely be a huge response."

He paused slightly, a stern look flashing in his eyes as he said, "However, just in case, we must be more fully prepared."

He Nan nodded, an idea already in mind. He said, "Captain Guan, why not arrange for a few more reliable men to infiltrate the perimeters of the city gates, using the city's merchants as cover. If anything happens at the South Gate, they can immediately stir up trouble and create chaos. Then, no matter how Kii mobilizes his troops, he'll be caught in a dilemma, surrounded by enemies from both sides."

"Okay!" Guan Shisheng slammed the table and stood up, a gleam in his eyes, "Let's do as Lord He says."

The two looked at each other and saw murderous intent in each other's eyes.

…………

Chikan City seemed calm, but in reality, a storm was brewing. The next morning, He Nan stood in his courtyard, gazing at the south gate of Chikan City from afar. Outside the gate, Dutch soldiers lazily leaned against the wall, yawning lazily.

He Nan knew that behind those seemingly loose soldiers was Kiichi's precise plan.

"This city...will soon change," he murmured.

Guan Shisheng's brows twitched when he heard this news, which came with a clear deadline. Ever since the Dutch Governor-General personally led his troops into Chikan City, the situation had spiraled out of control like a storm. While the situation hadn't completely collapsed, tensions within the city were growing. The clues He Nan had been hiding for years were finally coming into play.

"Are you sure it's within three days?" Guan Shisheng's eyes were sharp, and there was a subtle urgency in his voice.

"It's hard to say." He Nan pondered for a moment and said slowly, "But for a major event like the change of guard on the city wall, it's impossible for Kiichi not to make arrangements in advance. If there's no movement tonight, there's a high probability that changes will begin in the next two days."

He paused, then added, "Even if we don't change our defenses, we must act quickly. Every day of delay increases the risk. There are suddenly over two thousand reinforcements in the city, half of them Dutch. You know, whether it's Liu Xun or my brothers, some are bound to waver. We can hold out, but what about those brothers? I'm afraid some of them can't hold out and reveal their weaknesses. At this point, His Majesty must have already made arrangements, waiting for us to pass on the confirmed news so they can immediately launch an operation."

Guan Shisheng's expression grew increasingly serious upon hearing this. He understood that He Nan's words were not alarmist. On the surface, Koichi and the Dutch Governor-General were keeping their distance, but the situation in the city was tense, and the slightest disturbance could ignite a turbulent storm.

"The key is..." he said in a deep voice, his eyes fixed on He Nan sharply. "How can we get the message out safely?"

He Nan knew this was the most thorny issue at hand. Previously, they had relied on the Zeng family's smuggling route to quietly pass intelligence to Quanzhou. But now that secret line had been severed by Kui Yi, the intelligence within the city was trapped, unable to escape. The most reliable solution now was to risk sending someone through the border to deliver the message.

"Your Majesty is indeed ready," Guan Shisheng said slowly. "As long as the news of Chikan City reaches Quanzhou, the Ming army will be able to mobilize immediately. The area outside Chikan City is flat and flat, without a solid wall to protect it. Even if the Dutch Governor secretly dispatched two or three thousand troops, even five thousand would not be able to stop Your Majesty's powerful army."

He Nan's face lit up with excitement when he heard this, and he said decisively, "If you want to send someone to deliver a letter, it's best to leave the city through the South Gate. Liu Xun is one of us now, and he's guarding the South Gate. You only need to say hello to enter or exit. Plus, there are no ambushes outside the South Gate, and it's dark at night, so it's a good time to sneak out of the city."

He quickly calculated the route in his mind and continued, "Exit the South Gate and head west along the foothills. While there are Dutch checkpoints there, they are sparse and not heavily guarded. As long as we select capable people and act decisively, with one man and two horses, and travel day and night, we can reach the coast in less than a day and a night. We can then find a small boat to sneak back to Quanzhou by sea. At the earliest, Your Majesty will receive accurate news before nightfall."

"I'll do as you say." Guan Shisheng made a decisive move, his voice strong and powerful: "There's no time to lose. I'll select the right person and send the letter immediately."

Soon, Guan Shisheng selected three elite soldiers who were agile and intelligent.

"You three." Guan Shisheng stared at the three men in front of him with a sharp gaze, saying, "This mission is of great importance. Any carelessness will lead to disaster. If we are discovered along the way, the information must not fall into the hands of the enemy. Even at the risk of death, you must destroy the letter. If the situation is urgent, you can divert to the northern waterway and find the support team ambushed at the foot of the mountain. Make sure to deliver the message."

"I understand!" the three answered in unison, their expressions firm.

The leader of the three was a veteran named Sun Yong, known for his composure and efficiency. He Nan had initially wanted him to act alone, but Guan Shisheng insisted on sending the three of them together, believing that more people would distract the enemy and allow them to look after each other.

Before setting off, He Nan specifically instructed Sun Yong, "Liu Xun has arranged for several people to arrive. He will place several carriages loaded with food and fodder outside the South Gate as cover. You can blend in with them and leave the city."

Sun Yong clasped his fists and said, "I will remember this!"

As night fell, the three men changed into ordinary vendor attire and quietly blended into the crowd. Liu Xun personally guarded the south gate, casually glancing over the crowd and pretending to casually let several carriages pass. The carriages drove out of the city gate and slowly moved along the official road. Soon, they turned onto a side road and headed towards the foothills to the west.

Just as Sun Yong and his group were on their way to the foot of the mountain, a sharp whistle suddenly sounded in the distance. Sun Yong immediately realized that something was wrong and whispered, "Quick, disperse!"

The three of them immediately galloped off in different directions. A moment later, a group of cavalrymen galloped over. It was a Dutch patrol. The Dutch had long harbored suspicions about the Han officers in the city and had secretly increased their patrols, only to stumble upon this patrol's whereabouts.

Sun Yong fled desperately, using the undulating terrain to shake off his pursuers. When he reached the foot of the mountain, he was already out of breath, but fortunately the intelligence was still intact.

"It's okay...it's okay..." He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, jumped on the horse, and continued to gallop away.

……

The next afternoon, a small boat quietly approached the coast of Quanzhou. Sun Yong stumbled off the boat, clutching the secret letter tightly in his hand. (End of this chapter)