Di Ming

Chapter 37 Landlord
Qi Jiguang's sudden outburst of anger, which made a mountain out of a molehill, startled Zhu Yin.

He greatly admired Qi Jiguang's keen eye for detail, recognizing Lancha and the others as Jurchens. But they were just a few Jurchens, so why the outburst?
Is it...

"Are you spies? Speak!" Qi Jiguang suddenly stood up straight, his expression cold and stern, his cane in his hand like a spear or a club.

His sudden shout almost caught the attention of the coastal defense soldiers.

Qi Jiguang guarded the northern frontier for many years and was very familiar with the Mongols and Jurchens.

The facial features of the Mongols and Jurchens are somewhat different from those of the Han Chinese, and most of them have bowlegs.

This is because they ride horses at a very young age, and as they grow up, they often have bowlegs and big butts.

Even their walking posture is different from that of the Han people.

They walk with their buttocks sticking out and their shoulders twisting, somewhat like they're riding a horse.

The Jurchens had a habit of swaying their heads slightly when they walked, and they would often turn their heads every few steps, which was somewhat like a deer walking in the forest, and also somewhat like a wolf looking around.

The Jurchen region was covered with dense forests and teeming with wild animals. The Jurchen people grew up in these forests from a young age, and for safety and hunting, they developed the habits of wild animals.

When they drink water in the wild, they are used to turning their backs to the river to prevent wild animals from attacking them from behind.

This is something that the Han people do not have.

Lancha's appearance, physique, and figure were exactly those of a typical Jurchen.

This difference is difficult for the average person to discern. But it was hard to hide from Qi Jiguang.

Qi Jiguang had a keen eye, and upon seeing Meh, Nima, and Galo, he immediately knew that these people were from outside the Great Wall!

Four Jurchens appeared in Dengzhou, which faces Liaodong across the sea. If he didn't take precautions, he wouldn't be Qi Jiguang.

Although he was ill, he still had the strength to fight, and his son, who was skilled in martial arts, was by his side.

Right next door is the coastal defense garrison. Within half a mile is the naval force of Penglai Naval Camp (Shuicheng Xiaohai).

Even if these Jurchens are spies, we can take them down immediately!

However, when Ning Qingchen saw Qi Jiguang suddenly shout and become agitated, she knew that he not only had a lung disease, but also a liver problem.

From her perspective as a doctor, Qi Jiguang overreacted, possibly suffering from paranoia or stress disorder.

This is a patient who needs both physical treatment and psychological support.

It must be related to the blow he suffered after being dismissed from his post.

Pitiful.

Zhu Yin understood.

At this time, Qi Jiguang was only six months away from his death, and he may have been experiencing some psychological problems.

Isn't that how many retired cadres are?

Moreover, Qi Jiguang was not one of those good leaders who retired honorably and lived a comfortable life in the hospital on a pension.

He was dismissed without charge, but his illness was beyond cure.

When Zhu Yin saw Qi Jiguang questioning him, fearing it would attract the attention of the coastal defense soldiers nearby, he quickly whispered:
"Father, please calm down. We are from Liaodong, but we are not spies."

"Is there such a small traitor as me?"

He pointed at Ning Caiwei, then at the baby, "Dad, if we were spies, would we be bringing a baby? We're refugees."

Before Qi Jiguang could speak, his son Qi Baoguo apologized:
“Young master, my father is easily angered these days, and his liver fire is stagnant. He really didn’t mean to lash out at you. My father is a veteran of the army, and he has fought against Japanese pirates and Tartars. He gets angry whenever he sees them.”

He suddenly realized something was wrong and quickly explained, "Uh... I didn't mean you were Tartars."

Qi Jiguang had calmed down by then, and he realized that he had made a mountain out of a molehill.

Even if there were a few Jurchens, if they were truly spies who had infiltrated the Central Plains, how could they have children, let alone an infant?
I lost my composure.

Qi Jiguang coughed, and his fierce aura, as if facing a formidable enemy, instantly dissipated.

"Little one, I lost my composure just now. I hope I didn't frighten you?"

Qi Jiguang bent down, looking somewhat guilty, and his tone became kind again.

Zhu Yin shook his head, gave a thumbs-up, and smiled brightly:
"Father is amazing! Just one glance and he could tell that my followers are Jurchens. That kind of insight is far superior to those scoundrel border generals."

Qi Jiguang looked down into Zhu Yin's clear, bright eyes and thought to himself: This child is exceptionally intelligent and precocious.

Although he had a good impression of Zhu Yin, he still pondered and asked:

“Young man, you don’t look like refugees. You must be from a prominent family.”

Zhu Yin bowed with his hands clasped in a proper manner:
"To be honest, Father, my family offended a high-ranking official in Liaodong and was forced to flee. It wasn't because of a disaster, but rather... a man-made disaster."

"But my family can't fight them. If we can't afford to offend them, then we have no choice but to leave Liaodong and settle down in the Central Plains."

“My master also died with resentment after this calamity, leaving only me, the Ning sisters who were my children, and a few Jurchen servants.”

"Because it was an escape, there was no travel permit."

Upon hearing this, Qi Jiguang immediately believed it to be true and had no doubt about it.

Having served as an official for decades, how could he not understand how dark the sky of the imperial court truly is?

It was not uncommon in the dynasty for people to be forced into vagrancy because they offended officials.

These displaced people were jokingly referred to as having suffered "official disasters and calamities."

The nation appears prosperous and peaceful, but where are there no ordinary people with nowhere to turn and no recourse for justice?

Alas. It is truly a case of 'when the ruler is inferior above, the officials bring disaster below; this is why governance is ineffective.'

Qi Jiguang went from having boundless anticipation and high hopes for the current emperor to being utterly disappointed in just five years.

The current emperor is less gifted than Emperor Shizong, and less magnanimous than Emperor Muzong. He is even more harsh, suspicious, and stingy.

After Zhang Gong left, most of the high-ranking officials in the court were complacent and self-serving, and were all self-serving and partisan.

Who will dare to act with sincerity and dedication? Who will be loyal and devoted to the country?
Even the Grand Secretary Shen Shixing would only try to smooth things over, play the good guy, and be opportunistic and adaptable.

The world is vast, but the Lord of Jiangling is no more.

Qi Jiguang pulled himself together, sighed, and said to Zhu Yin:
“Then you are truly pitiful. At such a young age, you have wandered here from Liaodong. You have no household registration, no travel permit, and no one will take care of you even if you stay at an inn or eat.”

"Without a travel permit, you won't be able to enter Dengzhou City."

Zhu Yin immediately said pitifully, "Then what should I do? I am also a citizen of the Ming Dynasty, so why can't I move an inch in the Ming Dynasty?"

According to the Ming Dynasty's "Collected Statutes," out-of-town guests were not allowed to stay at inns without a travel permit. In fact, they might even be reported to the authorities and arrested.

They should either be prosecuted or deported.

From the Zhou Dynasty's "jie" (節), to the Song Dynasty's "guosuo" (過所), and then to the Ming Dynasty's "luyin" (路引)... these traditions have been passed down for thousands of years.

That's always been the case.

Qi Baoguo laughed and said, "These days, as long as you have money, what can't you do? Even the imperial court doesn't allow people to go to sea without permission. Look at Dengzhou Port, how many ships sail there every day?"

"Although a travel permit is indeed required, as long as you find the right government office and the right person, there is nothing that cannot be done. Even a fake travel permit can be obtained for you."

"However, even so, we must first get into the city. Otherwise, we won't have anywhere to spend our money."

Qi Jiguang said, "Come into the city with me. With me here, I won't deliberately check your travel permits."

"Once you enter the city, just do as my son said and go to the Penglai County Government Office to make arrangements. It should be done within a few days."

Ning Caiwei shook her head inwardly upon hearing this.

She also disliked using travel permits to restrict citizens' freedom of movement. However, such a strict system is now practically ineffective.

It turns out that as long as you have money, the government officials will do whatever they want.

There are also counterfeit products circulating in the market.

This demonstrates just how severe the official crisis was in the late Ming Dynasty.

If this continues, the entire system will lose its ability to execute, leading to organizational paralysis.

In the end, all orders issued by the central command failed to reach the grassroots level.

Zhu Yin then said, "Thank you for your guidance, Father. I am Zhu Yin. May I ask your honorable surname, Father?"

As Qi Jiguang walked, he said, "Qi."

"So it's Old Man Qi." Zhu Yin took the initiative to help Qi Jiguang, being very obedient and sensible. "Old Man Qi, it's not something that can be done in a day, so it's difficult for me to stay at an inn."

"Does Old Master Qi have any spare rooms? I'm willing to rent them at a high price..."

As soon as he mentioned the high rent, Qi Baoguo immediately interjected:
"Yes! My family's ancestral home is very large, but it's empty now, so it's perfect for you to rent."

"but…"

His face lit up with anticipation. "My houses are all nice, but they're not cheap..."

Qi Jiguang knew exactly what his son was thinking.
The son wanted to collect a sum of rent to pay for his medical treatment and medicine, as well as to buy some firewood, rice, oil, and salt.

Qi Jiguang felt a little embarrassed, but knowing the family's dire situation, he didn't refute his son's words, which was considered tacit approval.

Zhu Yin clapped his hands and laughed, "Oh, that's wonderful! What does it matter if the price is high? As long as I'm comfortable, that's all that matters! A fine residence would be best!"

Qi Baoguo was very happy, his eyebrows and eyes were full of smiles.

"Great! It's settled then. You'll have a great stay at my place! It's quiet and spacious! As for the price... how could I possibly charge you more? Don't worry!"

Zhu Yin couldn't help but smile. Qi Shaobao had actually become his landlord!
Ning Caiwei smiled slightly. How could she not know that Zhu Yin was trying to give Qi Jiguang more money in a roundabout way?

The group walked up Dan Cliff Mountain and along the sea wall to the west for about an arrow's distance, and there lay the famous Penglai Water City.

Sure enough, when Zhu Yin looked up, he saw the famous Penglai Pavilion, which would later become a landmark, located on the top of Dan Cliff Mountain by the sea.

Your Excellency Penglai, this is Penglai Water City.

Dengzhou City is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea on the other, and is divided into a main city and a water city. The two cities are connected from north to south, with land and sea cooperation, forming a tight defense system.

The construction of the water city and the garrisoning of the navy were not only to defend against Japanese pirates, but also to defend against Korean pirates.

Zhu Yin knew that in the historical Wuqiao Mutiny, when Kong Youde rebelled against the Ming Dynasty and attacked Dengzhou, he entered through Zhenyang Gate on the land south of Shuicheng, occupied Shuicheng, and seized the warships in Xiaohai, Shuicheng.

Kong Youde surrendered to Huang Taiji with the warships and cannons of Dengzhou.

Shuicheng was primarily a military port, so Qi Jiguang certainly wouldn't have lived there.

The Qi family lived in a large city.

After passing the water city, a magnificent city resembling a military fortress soon came into view.

This was the first city in the Central Plains that Zhu Yin and his companions encountered after arriving in the Ming Dynasty.

Dengzhou!

P.S.: Tomorrow's follow-up data is the most important. Thank you for your support tomorrow, please put me on a tricycle.

(End of this chapter)