Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 141: Departure in Three Days

August 1866, 6, early morning
Xiaguan Wharf
The dock was under tight security with only a few sedan chairs and dozens of people led by Li Hezhang seeing them off, making the scene seem rather deserted.

Standing next to Li Hezhang was Cao Yucheng, the prefect of Jinling. It was unknown when Li Hezhang had won over this man and he had already entered the core circle of Zheng Guohui's power and was aware of confidential matters.

In a sedan chair carried by eight people
Zheng Guohui held his wife, whose eyes were red and swollen from crying, in his arms, bent down to kiss her fragrant hair, and gently instructed her:
"This general is going to Southeast Asia to establish merit and expand the frontier. Following the example of our predecessors, I will open up new living space for the Chinese nation. I am determined to do so!
Madam, don't be sad, and don't worry,

I am the commander-in-chief of the central army, and I am surrounded by thousands of elite soldiers, so I am safe.

When fighting on the battlefield, the soldiers are driven forward. Why should I, a general, personally take up my sword and go into battle?

How are you doing during your time in Southeast Asia? Please send a letter home every month to let me know how you are doing so that my wife won't worry about you."

"I know that the master is a great hero of the time, destined to accomplish great things. But it hurts like a knife in my heart, and I can't bear to let him go." Zheng Li raised her pitiful face, her eyes filled with deep and unbreakable attachment, and tears silently fell on her face.

She choked up and said, "General, please get out of the sedan chair and don't keep others waiting. I'm not in a position to see outsiders, so I'll bid you farewell here. After returning home, I'll chant sutras and pray in the Buddhist temple every day, wishing you a safe journey and a smooth journey!"

"Well, just wait for me to come back at home." Zheng Guohui kissed her hair again, then stood up suddenly, lifted the curtain and walked out.

Seeing Li Hezhang waiting for this, Cao Yucheng came forward, bowed and exchanged a few words of greeting, saying something like "I wish the general a bright future and smooth sailing."

Chatted for a few words
Zheng Guohui turned to Cao Yucheng and said, "Master Cao, I'm so grateful for your generous assistance. You sent me two brothers, who are just the right people for the job! I'm in dire need of people who can govern the country and the people, and this has solved my urgent need!"

"General, you are joking. I am honored to be accepted as your disciple and I am willing to do my best to help you. I am already extremely grateful and wish I could take your place." Cao Yucheng replied with a smile.

The sedan chair was carried by everyone. Cao Yucheng was an official with a long career and would never let his words go unheeded.

The Cao family is a famous and prestigious family in southern Shaanxi, and is also a scholarly family that has passed down farming and reading from generation to generation. Such a large family will have their feet on several boats and place their bets separately.

His two brothers-in-law, Cao Yushu and Cao Yuxiu, were both Jinshi in the early years of Emperor Xianfeng's reign. Two years before that, Cao Yushu had served as the seventh-rank magistrate of Jiaonan, Shandong Province, and Cao Yuxiu had served as the chief clerk of Wenshang County. They both served in the imperial court.

Unfortunately, they were affected by the rebellion of the Nian bandits, and Cao Yushu and Cao Yuxiu fled together. They were held accountable by the court, and their official positions and honors were stripped away and they were thrown into prison.

to be frank

At that time, the Nian bandits were powerful and could gather tens of thousands of people at any time to wreak havoc in the three provinces of Shaanxi, Shandong and Henan. It was impossible not to escape at that time.

If I hadn't escaped, the grass on my grave would have grown more than a foot high.

In order to rescue his two younger brothers, Cao Yucheng spent nearly 2 taels of silver, which can be said to be a huge expense.

Zheng Guohui did not despise these talents abandoned by the court at all and accepted them all.

"Sir Cao, I have been away for many years, and I am sorry for covering for you." Zheng Guohui smiled and bowed.

Cao Yucheng, the Jinling prefect, lowered his posture, bent even lower, cupped his hands, and said with a smile:

"It is my humble honor to do so. Anyone who makes irresponsible remarks within the Jinling Prefecture will be severely punished."

"That's good. Thank you." Zheng Guohui bowed and said goodbye.

Cao Yucheng, the prefect of Nanjing, took on this huge responsibility without any hesitation because he had the great figure of Li Hongzhang, the governor-general of Liangjiang, above him.

Further up, there is the protection of Prince Gong, the imperial white jade pillar. With such a thick heel, he would hold on tightly and never let go.

As long as you are appreciated, your career will be stable for life.

With the current responsibilities of Jinling Prefect Cao Yucheng, it was a lucrative position. Even if he was promoted to the position of Shaanxi Governor, the position that Elong was currently being transferred to, it would still be a demotion.

It would be best if he could be appointed as the Governor of Jiangning. At worst, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi, or the two lakes region would be fine.

Shaanxi is a place plagued by both the Nian bandits and the Hui rebellion. The bandits are now on the rise. If you go there, you might lose your life, let alone make any money.

There is a saying that goes, people travel thousands of miles to become officials just for money.

The brave and warlike monk king died at the hands of the Nian bandits. Cao Yucheng was not stupid, so why would he bother to get into trouble?

Several Fu ships left the dock and sailed away.

This side

Madam Zheng Li, sitting in the sedan chair, looked through the curtains at the distant sails.

She could no longer suppress the strong feelings of attachment in her heart. She was overwhelmed by great sadness and burst into tears.

Li Jingji, the director of the Western Office, heard the mournful voice coming from the sedan chair, sighed quietly, and waved his hand, ordering, "Lift the sedan chair and escort the lady back to the mansion."

"Yes, my lord."

Several sedan chairs carrying the concubines were heading towards the Drum Tower Mansion under the protection of the general's personal guards.

The next day near noon
The fleet docked steadily at the inland river wharf of Guangming Town, Chongming Island. The wharf was already crowded with large ships loaded with cargo, ready to set sail at any time.

Zheng Guohui led his men down from the boat. His fourth uncle, Zheng Shouye (Lieutenant General), his fifth uncle, Zheng Shoucheng (Guerrilla General), and his staff member, Zheng Jialiang (Garrison Commander), all came to greet him, and naturally, there was another round of pleasantries. They entered Guangming Town and arrived at the meeting hall.

Zheng Guohui walked to the top and sat down. All the military and political officials were divided into two rows and sat in order. Cao Yushu and Cao Yuxiu were also in the row. They were also administrative officials who would follow to Southeast Asia.

In addition to the more than 7500 troops, there were also more than 60 administrative bureaucrats who went to Southeast Asia, including the Cao brothers and 6 people recommended by Li Hongzhang, the Governor-General of Liangjiang.

The situations of these six people are roughly similar to those of the Cao brothers. They were all former bureaucrats in Shaanxi, Gansu, Shandong, Henan and other places. The highest-ranking one, Fan Zhicheng, once served as a prefect of the fourth rank.

The others also had a record of serving in prefectures and counties, but were implicated in the war or dismissed from their posts, had their hats and feathers taken off, or resigned and returned home, and their official careers were over.

These six people are Fan Zhicheng, Kang Ning, Zhang Jinxiu, Mu Qing, Wang Jianping, and Hou Yucun. They are all capable officials with clean conduct and good at governing the people and managing the country.

Anyone who can catch Li Hongzhang's eye is naturally not an ordinary person, so you can employ him with confidence.

It seems that the deep conversation between Zheng Guohui and Li Hezhang had an impact on Li Hongzhang, the Governor-General of Liangjiang, and he made further moves to get closer to him.

These capable officials did not come alone, but came to Tongzhou Prefecture with their families and then transferred to the island, which showed their determination.

These bureaucrats, who are labeled as traitors, have no future in China.

We are all smart people. With the Governor-General of Liangjiang acting as a guarantor and a go-between, what is there to hesitate about?

They were deeply shocked by everything they saw on Chongming Island, and they already had bright visions for the future.

High above the hall
Zheng Guohui looked at his talented subordinates and could no longer suppress the curve of his lips, feeling more confident.

He was the first to ask, "Are all the troops on the island in place? Are they ready to march south?"

"Report to Lord Junmen;

The total number of troops from each unit was supposed to be 7500, but the actual number was 7562. All the soldiers were fully equipped, morale was high, and they were ready to fight day and night.

Once the order is issued, there is no retreat!"

The one who stood up and answered with a fist salute was the chief military officer, Lieutenant General He Ruolin.

This person was transferred to the position of garrison commander of Tongzhou in the recent round of replacements. In fact, he is the general leading the army heading south. He will follow Zheng Guohui to the south and fight on the battlefield.

This time, they were heading south with the intention of completely conquering the Luzon Islands and engaging in a fierce battle with the Frankish army. Naturally, they had to deploy elite troops and concentrate all their efforts.

As for the fact that these generals have not appeared for a long time, that is not a big problem.

Tongzhou was originally Zheng Guohui's base, and the whole place had been well-organized. It was extremely difficult to leak any unfavorable information.

It doesn't matter if it is leaked. I will report the reason as "I fell into the enemy's trap and died in battle". From now on, I will stay in the Luzon Islands and will never come back.

Hearing this resounding answer, Zheng Guohui nodded slightly, turned his gaze to his fourth uncle Zheng Shouye and Zheng Jialiang, and asked;
"How are the supplies and logistics personnel being deployed? Are they all in place?"

Lieutenant General Zheng Shouye stood up, clasped his hands together and answered loudly;
"Report to Lord Junmen;

All materials have been checked one by one according to the list and are ready to be shipped without any omissions.

The more than 4,000 people who followed the army south were all carefully selected elites, with certain battlefield experience and their own special skills.

It can be used when it is waved, and it can be used in battle.

Now we are ready to go, just waiting for the order from the commander-in-chief."

"But, since everything has been prepared, three days from now will be an auspicious day for the journey." Having said that, Zheng Guohui suddenly stood up and looked around at everyone with a sharp gaze.

Everyone stood up and clasped their fists in anticipation.

Zheng Guohui then continued to loudly command;
"Transmit this command from me. Three days from now, you must offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, behead someone and sacrifice to the flag, and then march out with your army."

"We will obey the general's orders and not dare to disobey them." Everyone answered in unison, with an excited look on everyone's face and eager eyes unable to hide.

Since ancient times
Expanding territory is an honor that will be recorded in history. If you can experience it once in your life, you will have no regrets.

Everyone realizes
They are now at a historic moment, and their great campaign to conquer and explore Southeast Asia will surely be on par with their predecessors and admired by future generations.

The heroic spirit of the Han and Tang dynasties hidden in their blood has awakened. At this moment, everyone is eager to fight. There is no need to mobilize them anymore. Everyone is shouting!
The conquest of Southeast Asia will not only leave a name in history, but also bring substantial benefits.

The general has promised
All officers, soldiers, and other people who have made meritorious contributions will be given women and land as rewards for their merits. The rewards are so generous that they are maddening.

Those with outstanding achievements can also be granted titles of nobility and appointed as prime ministers, and the title can be passed down from generation to generation.

Who wouldn’t feel dizzy when such a huge benefit comes to you?

(End of this chapter)