Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 370 Qi Jiguang's Ambition! Is the Duke of Ying in Trouble?
It was already dark, so Qi Jiguang wasn't in a hurry to go back and had a simple meal at Xishan.

His mouth was greasy from the meal.

While picking his teeth with a bamboo skewer, Qi Jiguang patted his stomach and said with emotion.

"Everyone says that the food in Xishan is the best in the world. I tried it today and it is indeed extraordinary."

As he said this, he couldn't help but mutter curses under his breath.

"Life at sea is no place for humans. Eating sea fish once is delicious, eating it three times is just craving, but eating it ten times is nothing short of torture!"

Zhang Yunxiu and Qi Jiguang strolled together through Xishan Village and couldn't help but talk.

"If Uncle feels that he is not energetic enough, I can find someone else to handle the naval affairs, so that Uncle can enjoy his old age in peace."

His intention was good; after all, Qi Jiguang was also that age. In ancient times, a man in his fifties was not much different from a man in his seventies in later generations.

With the seas rough and the navy needing to travel across oceans in the future, Zhang Yunxiu was genuinely worried that Qi Jiguang wouldn't be able to withstand the hardships.

These words nearly made Qi Jiguang lose his temper, and he glared at him as he spoke.

"You brat, I've worked so hard to build this online army into something decent, and you think you can just fire me with a single sentence and let someone else reap the benefits?"
There's no reason in the world to have someone else enter the bridal chamber for a proper marriage.

Zhang Yunxiu couldn't help but chuckle and explained.

"I have no other intention than to let you rest more, Uncle. You can decide on the personnel. It's difficult for others to mobilize the Qi family's navy, isn't it?"

Qi Jiguang paused for a moment, then sighed and said.

"How could I not know that I am old? But over the years, there have been countless veterans of the Qi Family Army. They served me for the first half of their lives, and most of them have developed health problems. After returning to their hometowns, they have no way to make a living."

"Shiyuan, your strategy of sending them to sea has saved their lives and given them a way to survive. Otherwise, if they were starving, even the most loyal men would have risen up in rebellion. Do you understand?"

Zhang Yunxiu nodded slightly: "With the money in hand, the government will likely improve its policies on the compensation of border soldiers and officers. My father also helped promote this matter."

The Ming Dynasty's military system was corrupt, partly due to officials embezzling military pay and deceiving their superiors, but also largely due to a lack of funds.

The later saying that "the Ming army is invincible when its pay is not full, but when its pay is full, it is invincible" is not without basis.

With advanced firearms and a steady supply of resources from the rear, the Ming army was well-equipped with the best firearms. If it weren't for the lack of money, the Qing dynasty might not have been able to do anything.

Now that the imperial court wants to develop its navy and contend for global dominance, the issues of military system and pay must be resolved.

"This matter still needs careful consideration." Qi Jiguang grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth. "Let us old folks worry about it. You young folks can focus on researching that steam engine and making more money."

Zhang Yunxiu didn't really have much knowledge about military systems. He couldn't just blindly apply later theories; ultimately, he had to rely on the wisdom of the ancients of this era.

He nodded slightly, then asked.

"Uncle, would you like to stay overnight in Xishan? If you stay a few more days, the food in Xishan is guaranteed to be different every time."

While other things are difficult to develop, food is a field where progress is quite possible. The various dishes and culinary traditions brought by Zhang Yunxiu from later generations have been thoroughly popularized in Xishan.

Qi Jiguang shook his head and said.

"No need. I have a heavy responsibility on this trip to the capital and dare not be careless in the slightest. I must return to the capital tonight."

A man like him, who had spent his life on the battlefield, was never idle. He clearly preferred leading troops into battle to indulging in pleasure at home all day.

Zhang Yunxiu guessed, "Is Uncle going to Wenyuan Pavilion to see my father?"

“Of course I must see the Grand Secretary,” Qi Jiguang said with a grin. “However, I am very busy with state affairs, so even your father has to wait. The court is going to establish a navy, and there is one person I absolutely must see.”

No one understood better than Qi Jiguang the importance of the Ming Dynasty establishing a navy.

In the past, the Ming Dynasty only cultivated its own small territory, always worried about jackals in the mountains to the north or wild beasts in the jungles to the south. Even when it went to sea, it was only limited to the coastal areas.

But when Qi Jiguang led several ships out to sea under the name of "Pirate King", he discovered that the ocean was no longer what it used to be.

The Ming Dynasty was no longer like it was during the Yongle era, when it could roam the world with its treasure ships and make all the countries it visited submit.

Qi Jiguang's small fleet possessed the discipline of the Qi Family Army, the combat skills accumulated over a long period of time, as well as Xishan muskets, telescopes, and logistical supplies.

Even with these advantages, the "Pirate King" could only bully some Japanese and Annamite ships, as well as some small groups of pirates.

He even encountered Portuguese ships, whose power at sea far exceeded his imagination.

Therefore, in the foreseeable future, perhaps for decades or even centuries, if the Ming Dynasty does not develop its navy and firearms, it will inevitably be left far behind by these barbarians.

This was naturally unacceptable to Qi Jiguang.

"Is there another person?"

After a moment's thought, Zhang Yunxiu immediately had someone in mind.

"Uncle, are you referring to the Duke of Ying?"

In order for the Ming Dynasty to establish a navy, in addition to having an experienced general like Qi Jiguang, it was also necessary to have someone who could smooth things over with both the internal and external connections, and to have the cooperation of everyone from the Ministry of War to the Five Military Commissions, in order to succeed.

British Duke Zhang Rong was naturally the most important candidate among them.

Of course, there is another crucial point: although Emperor Wanli said he was delegating power, in order to put the emperor at ease, there must be checks and balances on that power.

The Duke of England has been trusted by the royal family for generations and also supports the plans of the West Hill group, making him the most suitable candidate.

"You little brat, you're like a tapeworm in my stomach!"

Qi Jiguang said with a laugh and a scolding tone.

"I have already sent my visiting card upon entering the city today, and I have arranged to visit you tonight. Would you be willing to accompany me?"

Zhang Yunxiu thought for a moment, then nodded and said.

"Then I'll go with Uncle Shi."

Since the Lantern Festival, the curfew has been reinstated in the capital, but compared to before, there has been a subtle easing of the curfew.

After all, the imperial court had already tasted the benefits. That Lantern Festival was not only a celebration for the emperor and the people, but it also made shops of all sizes bustling with customers, and business on Qipan Street increased by nearly tenfold.

As the saying goes, "ducks are the first to know when the river warms in spring," and the economic transformation that has begun in the Western Hills has already affected everyone in Beijing.

Many of the shops that made money were backed by high-ranking officials and nobles in the court. Many people have already submitted memorials to the court, asking them to completely relax the curfew and make use of nighttime trade so that more people can make a living.

Just like a surging wave, Zhang Yunxiu stirred up the seawater, and even without exerting force, the wave would still surge forward.

As Qi Jiguang rode in a carriage on the western hills, he looked at the pedestrians still walking around on the street and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

"It's been a long time since I've seen such a lively scene."

"It is likely that both Northern Zhili and Southern Zhili will enjoy this prosperous scene in the future."

Qi Jiguang grinned and said, "I am like a wild boar that can't eat fine food. It's nice to roll around in the gentle embrace of women, but I can't stand staying there all day. I still need to go to the sea for some excitement."

Zhang Yunxiu was somewhat moved.

It seems the enormous profits from seafaring had completely captivated Qi Jiguang. He complained about the hardships of the sea, but his actions betrayed his true intentions; he was unwilling to give up. Later generations have described Qi Jiguang as greedy, but what they don't know is that the money and provisions required to establish the Qi Family Army were far from sufficient to cover the imperial military pay. Without ways to make money, how could the Qi Family Army have quelled the Japanese pirates?

Therefore, Qi Jiguang's desire for silver was ingrained in his very bones.

The two traveled without hindrance and arrived at the gate of the Duke of England's mansion. The gatekeeper recognized Xishan's carriage and immediately stepped forward to greet them.

"Is it General Qi?"

Qi Jiguang nodded slightly: "It is I. Is the Duke of Ying at your residence?"

The gatekeeper nodded and said, "The Duke has instructed that if the General arrives, please come in and have a seat, however..."

"But what?" Qi Jiguang frowned, feeling that the gatekeeper was being a bit slow.

After much hesitation, the gatekeeper ultimately decided not to inform Zhang Rong, but instead went inside and summoned Zhang Rong's eldest son, Zhang Yuanhao.

Zhang Yuanhao, his steps unsteady, bowed respectfully to Qi Jiguang from afar and said...

"General Qi, I am truly sorry, but my father is unwell today and is unable to meet with you. I suppose you should return home now."

"What do you mean?" Qi Jiguang was completely bewildered, his tone filled with worry. Zhang Rong was nearly eighty years old, which was a very short time for people in ancient times.

Zhang Yuanhao sighed heavily before raising his head and speaking.

"The hidden story is too difficult to tell."

Not only the emperor, but also people like the Duke of England who held great military power had their health conditions kept strictly confidential, in order to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation.

Zhang Yunxiu listened in the carriage for a long time and, upon hearing that it was his disciple Zhang Yuanhao's voice, got out of the carriage to check.

"Zisheng, Commander Qi is family, so please speak freely. How is your uncle's health?"

Upon seeing Zhang Yunxiu, Zhang Yuanhao was completely stunned. He immediately knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly to Zhang Yunxiu, speaking earnestly.

"Master! Your disciple has asked people to search for you everywhere, but you could not be found. I did not expect you to have come to my residence. Master, your medical skills are superb. You must be here to save my father!"

Zhang Yunxiu frowned deeply, realizing the seriousness of the matter, and asked in a deep voice.

"Has it been taken to a clinic for examination?"

Zhang Yuanhao said, sobbing.

“My father is already unconscious and cannot go to the clinic.”

"Have you consulted a doctor at a clinic?" Zhang Yunxiu's expression grew increasingly serious, and he already had a bad feeling.

"Dr. Yang from the clinic is inside. From what he said, my father is beyond saving!"

At this point, Zhang Yuanhao burst into tears. Compared to his two older brothers, Zhang Rong doted on him much more.

He used to be a good-for-nothing playboy who caused trouble all day long. Later, he became a disciple of Xishan, but he didn't do anything serious either. He learned crosstalk and drama at Xishan Theater, which made his father, Zhang Rong, very angry.

All of these factors converged into emotions at this moment, making it difficult for Zhang Yuanhao to control his feelings.

Zhang Yunxiu said in a deep voice, "Take me to see what's wrong with Uncle!"

Logically speaking, Yang Jishi was already one of the top doctors at Renmin Medical Hall. If he determined that there was no hope for the patient, then given the current level of medical care in the Ming Dynasty, the patient was practically already in the grave.

"Yes!" Zhang Yuanhao exclaimed, his eyes wide as if he had grasped a lifeline. "Master must have a way! Please save my father!"

Zhang Yunxiu said irritably, "If you keep crying and making a scene here, then your uncle is truly hopeless."

Historically, Zhang Rong's eldest son, Zhang Yuangong, inherited the title in December of the ninth year of the Wanli reign. This means that, according to the original course of events, Zhang Rong would have passed away several months earlier.

To this end, Zhang Yunxiu even conducted a physical examination for him, but unexpectedly, he still couldn't stop it.

The three hurried towards the mansion, and the closer they got, the clearer the faint crying became.

The younger generation of the Duke of England's household gathered outside the room, each with a sorrowful expression on their face.

From a distance, Zhang Yunxiu saw Yang Jishi sighing repeatedly and raised his voice slightly.

"Jizhou, how is the Duke of England doing?"

Upon seeing Zhang Yunxiu arrive, Yang Jishi quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said...

"Teacher."

He then sighed.

“I was just about to look for you. The Duke of England’s condition has worsened today, and he probably won’t make it through the night. Mr. Dongbi is also on his way, but according to the clinic’s usual practice, this is a severe case of ‘tons’, and even a miracle worker would have difficulty saving him.”

My only hope is to see if my mentor has found his method in ancient texts.

Zhang Yunxiu couldn't help but chuckle. "I read it from ancient books," he said, but using such an excuse too often felt a bit odd.

Others spoke of this very seriously, because whenever Zhang Yunxiu said he had found inspiration in ancient books, the problem was indeed easily solved.

But when Zhang Yunxiu heard others talking about it, he always felt that they were mocking him.

He coughed twice and said.

"Let's first look at the situation of the British Duke."

Zhang Yunxiu pushed open the door and walked towards the bedside. He saw from afar that Zhang Rong on the bed was barely breathing, and a large group of people around him were crying.

"What are you doing?"

His loud shout silenced all the crying.

Zhang Yunxiu frowned and said, "If you want the Duke of England to live, all of you shut up. Everyone, leave the room and open all the doors and windows."

He spoke in a very impolite tone, even with a commanding air.

These words immediately caused an uproar among the crowd. The fate of Duke Zhang Rong of England was still unknown, yet someone dared to come and cause trouble.
"Who are you! How dare you cause trouble at my Duke of Ying's mansion!"

The speaker was a richly dressed young man who glared angrily at Zhang Yunxiu, his face still streaked with tears.

Zhang Yunxiu ignored the other person, stepped forward and pushed him away, then went to check on the condition of Duke Zhang Rong of England in front of the bed.

“Young man, don’t be afraid. Your father had a deep friendship with him, how come you don’t recognize him? He is Zhang Shiyuan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He is the only one in the entire Ming Dynasty who can save your father.”

Qi Jiguang stood beside Zhang Yunxiu, like a door god, forcefully creating a space for him.

Zhang Yuangong was furious. As the eldest son of the Duke of Yingguo's family, he had become the backbone of the family after Zhang Rong's death. How could he not be angry at being treated so disrespectfully?

"Even Zhang Shiyuan cannot be so presumptuous!"

He was about to step forward to pull him away when he was stopped by the dignified, aged voice of an old woman.

"Gong'er! Get out!"

(End of this chapter)