The Revolt of the Three Feudatories: All-in at the start in Beijing

Upon hearing this, the other scions of Korean aristocratic families nodded in agreement, their faces filled with longing. One of them even spoke up in agreement:

"The people of the Celestial Empire have managed to make this wild and undeveloped land of Southeast Asia so prosperous. In fact, the people of Korea are no less capable. Once we arrive in our fiefdom of Bengal, with the fertile land that yields three harvests a year, our family's development there will definitely be better than it is in Korea!"

Upon hearing these words, Jin Zhenen couldn't help but smile, his lips curving upwards to his ears, and his steps became even lighter.

The group of twenty-odd young men from prominent Korean families walked and talked, taking in everything in the city. Before they knew it, it was noon, and they began to feel hungry.

Just then, Tang Sanchui, having finished his official business, was walking home when he ran into Jin Zhenen and his group.

Tang Sanchui was a forthright man, and knowing that these young men from Korean noble families were honored guests of the court, he immediately stepped forward, a warm smile on his face, and took the initiative to invite them.

"Gentlemen, you must be tired and hungry after sightseeing for so long. Your fleet is still resupplying in the port and will not be able to set sail until tomorrow morning. If you don't mind, why don't you condescend to stay at my house for the time being? I will have wine and food prepared to treat you to a good meal."

Jin Zhenen and the others didn't want to return to the military camp anyway. Knowing that Tang Sanchui held a high position in Manila and must be well-fed and clothed, they immediately bowed respectfully and replied, "Then we'll trouble you, Lord Tang. We are truly grateful for your intrusion!"

Tang Sanchui was a straightforward person who never liked to dawdle. He immediately stretched out his hand, signaling everyone to follow him, and then strode towards the former Spanish Governor's Palace castle.

Tang Sanchui was the younger brother of Tang Tiechui, the commander of the Luzon Guard. As the chief of the security forces, he held a prominent position in Manila and naturally lived in an extremely luxurious place.

His residence, located next to the Governor's Palace Castle, was a Chinese-style villa with blue brick floors, green tile roofs, and vermilion-painted gates.

Above the gate hangs a black plaque with the words "Tang Mansion" inscribed in clerical script.

As soon as the group reached the main gate of the Tang residence, two native slaves with ankle chains immediately stepped forward.

One person stepped forward and knelt down, bowing his head to respectfully invite Tang Sanchui to step onto his back to dismount, while the other carefully led Tang Sanchui's warhorse to the stable in the backyard to take care of it. Their movements were skillful, clearly indicating that they were already used to serving him in this way.

Upon entering the Tang residence, one sees a spacious courtyard with a dozen or so native slaves, all wearing leg chains, moving about quietly with their heads down. Each slave carries fresh ingredients, bowls, chopsticks, and other utensils, busily preparing lunch without making a sound.

Below the main hall in the courtyard, a woman with delicate features, dressed appropriately, and exuding the demeanor of a lady from a prominent family was methodically directing the slaves to prepare meals.

Seeing Tang Sanchui bring the guests in, she immediately stopped what she was doing and quickly walked over: "Husband, lunch is almost ready, just waiting for you to come back."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanchui immediately waved his hand, blinked, pointed to Jin Zhen'en and the other young men from Korean aristocratic families beside him, and said loudly, "Wife, we have distinguished guests visiting today, all from Korea. Quickly go to the kitchen to prepare an extra meal, have all the family's treasured wines and fine dishes ready, and treat them well!"

Following the updates has never been so enjoyable.

Tang Sanchui's wife was a well-bred lady from a prominent family. She was knowledgeable and could tell at a glance that Jin Zhenen and the others had extraordinary bearing and were no ordinary people. She immediately agreed obediently, turned around and hurried to the kitchen, personally supervising the slaves to add dishes and prepare wine, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Afterwards, Tang Sanchui warmly led Jin Zhenen and the others into the main hall of the Tang family, instructing the slaves to set up tables and chairs and inviting everyone to take their seats.

During the meal, Jin Zhenen and the others couldn't help but look at the native slaves serving in the courtyard and below the hall, their hearts filled with curiosity.

Tang Sanchui served tea to the slaves, then spoke first, expressing his opinion with a certainty in his tone:

"What you may not know is that in Manila, every family with some status has three native slaves. They are responsible for cultivating the fields, managing the household, and learning Chinese and etiquette, and are gradually tamed."

"As the chief of the security force, I am entitled to a quota of twenty slaves according to the regulations of the imperial court, which is much more generous than that of ordinary families."

"But you must remember this: the natives of Luzon are unruly by nature, just like the Eight Banners Tartars who rebelled when they entered the pass. They are born to be disciplined."

"We must never treat them too kindly, otherwise they will develop rebellious intentions and attempt to rebel. Whenever they are lazy, foolish, or disobedient, the first thing they should do is receive a whipping and be severely punished so they will remember their lesson and obey!"

"I reckon the indigenous people in Bangladesh, where you're going, are the same way. Once you get there, remember what I'm saying today. Don't be too lenient with them, lest you raise a tiger that will turn on you!"

Upon hearing the words "Eight Banners Tartars," Jin Zhenen and the others immediately felt a sense of shared experience and nodded in agreement.

In the past, when the Manchu Eight Banners cavalry invaded Korea, they burned, killed, looted, and oppressed the people. Which of these Korean noble families had not suffered at the hands of the Eight Banners Tartars? They had long had a deep understanding of this kind of barbaric and unruly tribe, and immediately believed Tang Sanchui's words without a doubt.

Before long, a group of slaves, heads bowed and respectfully carrying bowls, chopsticks, and dishes, entered the hall and neatly arranged the dishes on the table, remaining silent and moving slowly throughout.

Clearly, Tang Sanchui, a man who came from a background of overseer and was well-versed in management, was extremely skilled at taming slaves and had long since subdued these native slaves.

After all the dishes were served, Tang Sanchui picked up a plate of red and yellow dishes, his face full of admiration and pride, and warmly invited everyone: "Everyone, please try this dish. It's called 'Great Han Tomato Scrambled Eggs,' and it's the current emperor's favorite dish."

"These days, very few people in the Great Han Dynasty know of or have the opportunity to taste this dish. If my elder brother hadn't gone to the capital for a banquet a few days ago, I would never have had the chance to learn about this delicacy. Today, with all of you distinguished guests here, it's a good opportunity to enjoy it together. Please don't be shy!"

Upon hearing that this dish was a delicacy even the emperor loved, Jin Zhenen and the others could no longer contain themselves and picked up their chopsticks, taking a bite and putting it in their mouths.

The moment it touches your tongue, the sweet and sour aroma of tomatoes, mixed with the fresh fragrance of eggs, spreads across your palate, and everyone's eyes light up, their faces showing expressions of ultimate enjoyment.

Just as everyone was enjoying their meal and chatting happily, a sudden, urgent gong sound came from outside the Tang residence.