Chapter 601
Zheng Zhilong is going to reclaim Taiwan!
At that time, he made a vow in his heart that this precious island, which has been inextricably linked with China since ancient times but has been neglected by the court and has been suspended overseas for a long time, would one day be taken back and made into an overseas fortress and southeastern barrier that the Ming Dynasty will never sink!
Unexpectedly, this opportunity came so quickly, and it was Zheng Zhilong who took the initiative to propose it!
"Father-in-law, is what you say true? Please explain in detail!"
Zhu Cilang's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible urgency.
Seeing the Crown Prince's reaction, Zheng Zhilong felt relieved, knowing that this was exactly what the Crown Prince wanted, and continued:
"Your Highness, rest assured, the information is accurate. As for the difficulty... to be honest, for the Zheng family's navy, accomplishing this task is not actually too difficult."
Although there are scattered fortresses built by the Western barbarians on Dongfan Island, their military strength is limited, their supplies are difficult, and they are far from the mainland. Our navy, on the other hand, is familiar with the waterways, has strong ships and powerful cannons, and is well-prepared. As long as we plan properly, it will not be difficult to take down their strongholds with a swift and decisive strike.
"If Your Highness grants my permission, I am confident that within a few months I can clear out the foreign ships from the open seas, land on the eastern frontier, and eradicate the Western barbarian forces completely!"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang not only didn't think Zheng Zhilong was exaggerating, but became even more curious and pressed for an answer:
"Since my father-in-law believes that recovering Dongfan is not difficult, why... why did it take so long to decide to take action until today? Was there something you were hesitant about before?"
This was precisely the question in Zhu Cilang's mind. Given Zheng Zhilong's control over the southeastern seas and his understanding of Dongfan, if he truly wanted to take action, he probably would have done so long ago. Why wait until now?
Upon hearing the Crown Prince's question, Zheng Zhilong's face immediately revealed a complex smile that mixed helplessness, resentment, and bitterness.
He sighed and shook his head, saying:
"Your Highness, please understand that I have my own difficulties in this matter, and it is not something I can decide on my own."
He stood up, paced around the hall a few times as if gathering his thoughts, then turned to face Zhu Cilang, his voice low and clear as he analyzed:
"Firstly, it is not in accordance with the proper order and righteousness. Although Dongfan has had exchanges with the Central Plains since ancient times, with the old system of Penghu Patrol Office, and scattered Han people and indigenous people living there, in the more than 270 years since the founding of our Great Ming Dynasty, the court has never officially issued an edict to clearly include the entire island of Dongfan under administrative jurisdiction, establish prefectures and counties, send officials, and station troops.
The imperial court's attitude towards them was largely one of "neither governing nor managing," regarding them as uncivilized territory and merely subjecting them to control. This resulted in the Dongfan region long existing in a legally ambiguous "gray area." With the court indifferent and the local authorities powerless, it was only natural that outsiders would covet it over time.
"Secondly, the national policy neglects the maritime frontier. Since the Yongle era, our dynasty's national policy has gradually become conservative, emphasizing land over sea, regarding the vast ocean as a daunting path, and regarding the navy as a wasteful 'trick or trick'. The court's attention is only focused on the northern border troubles and inland uprisings, and it pays little attention to the gains and losses of the southeastern maritime frontier."
The eastern barbarians, isolated overseas, yielded no taxes and required the stationing of troops. In the eyes of the court officials, they were likely a "white elephant"—a place where gains would outweigh losses. With no one paying attention, naturally no one was willing to risk developing it, let alone using national funds and launching a large army to reclaim it from the western barbarians.
"Thirdly, and this is my greatest concern—"
Zheng Zhilong's tone suddenly became more serious, and his gaze sharpened.
"The Western barbarians entrenched in the East, such as the Dutch and Portuguese, are not comparable to ordinary pirates or Japanese pirates! They all have the support of their mother countries, and their ships, firearms, and even their trading posts in the East are all protected by the power of their countries."
If I were to launch a full-scale attack on them in the name of my personal forces or the local navy, and destroy their strongholds in Dongfan, it would be tantamount to openly declaring war on their motherland! Such a major event, which could trigger war between two countries and even provoke joint retaliation from several countries, is far beyond the capacity of a mere military man or a small province like Fujian to bear!
Even when I was a pirate, I had to consider the balance of power among various factions. Now, as an official appointed by the court, responsible for defending the coastal borders, I must also consider the overall situation of the nation. How could I dare to endanger the court because of a momentary anger?
Zheng Zhilong's analysis was incisive, clearly presenting to Zhu Cilang the numerous political, diplomatic, and strategic obstacles to the recovery of Dongfan.
This is indeed not Zheng Zhilong's fault, nor even the Western barbarians who invaded Dongfan. In a gray area of the sea frontier where the concept of sovereignty was not as clear as it would be in later generations, and which the Ming government itself had long neglected, the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, naturally prevailed.
After listening, Zhu Cilang remained silent for a moment, a helpless yet understanding expression on his face.
He nodded slowly and sighed:
"I see... Father-in-law's concerns are all true. This is indeed not your fault alone, but a chronic problem accumulated over the past century by the mistakes in national policy and the lack of awareness of maritime power in our Great Ming Dynasty."
Throughout history, emperors have only focused on the yellow earth beneath their feet, regarding the vast ocean as an insurmountable barrier, unaware that this boundless sea is the true source of wealth, the foundation of strength, and the main arena for future rivalries among nations! Neglecting the sea frontier is tantamount to cutting off one's own arm and abandoning one's own treasure trove!
He abruptly raised his head, his gaze regaining its firmness and intensity, and looked at Zheng Zhilong, saying decisively:
"However, times have changed! Father-in-law, listen carefully—from this day forward, the national policy of our Great Ming will be completely changed! We will give equal importance to both land and sea! This land of the East has been the pioneering land of our Chinese ancestors since ancient times. How can we allow foreign barbarians to occupy it for long?"
This island commands the southeastern sea route, is rich in resources, and occupies a strategically important position. To possess it would be to have an unsinkable warship for our Great Ming Dynasty, protecting the fertile southeastern lands; to abandon it would be like opening the door to thieves, bringing endless troubles!
He stood up, walked over to Zheng Zhilong, and patted him firmly on the shoulder, his tone full of trust and support:
"Father-in-law, now that you're back in Fujian, go ahead and do whatever you want! There's no need to hold back anymore! If you need ships, I'll have the Ministry of Works and the Treasure Shipyard fully cooperate in supervising their construction and allocation; if you need troops, the garrisons and naval forces in Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang can be under your command and deployment; if you need money and provisions, I'll discuss with the Ministry of Revenue and prioritize their allocation!"
In short, as long as we can successfully and completely conquer Dongfan and truly incorporate it into the territory of our Great Ming Dynasty, whatever you need, I will give you! Even if the sky falls, I and the imperial court will hold it up for you!
If those Western barbarian mother countries dare to make a fuss, or even send troops to invade, then let them taste the might of my Great Ming's modern navy and modern firearms! Do you think my mighty Celestial Empire is afraid of them?!
These words, spoken with force and boundless confidence, not only granted Zheng Zhilong maximum authority and resource support, but also demonstrated the court's (in reality, Zhu Cilang's) firm stance of not hesitating to engage in direct conflict with the Western barbarians. This undoubtedly gave Zheng Zhilong the greatest reassurance.
Zheng Zhilong was deeply moved and his blood boiled. With the Crown Prince's clear and powerful support, all his worries vanished instantly. He bowed and clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:
"Your Highness's trust and support are immense; even if I were to give my life, I could never repay even a fraction of it! Please rest assured, Your Highness, I will certainly live up to your expectations!"
He intended to say that no additional support was needed, as the Fujian Navy was sufficient to handle the situation.
But as the words were about to come out, a sudden inspiration struck him. He recalled the devastating power of firearms he had witnessed on the Liaodong battlefield, a power that felt like divine punishment. An idea popped into his head uncontrollably.
His eyes gleamed, a mixture of probing and anticipation in them, and he smiled:
“Your Highness, speaking of support… I do recall something. If Your Highness could be so kind as to allocate some to me, I would be absolutely certain that we could not only achieve a swift victory, but also minimize the casualties of my Ming soldiers!”
"Oh? What is it? Father-in-law, please speak freely."
Zhu Cilang asked curiously.
Zheng Zhilong rubbed his hands together, somewhat embarrassed but also full of longing, and said:
"It is...it is the flintlock musket that shone brightly in the Liaodong War, and the even more powerful rifle! Your Highness, I saw it with my own eyes in Liaodong. The range, accuracy, and rate of fire of these firearms far surpass those of the matchlock guns and even the Lumi guns used by the Western barbarians!"
If our naval infantry were equipped with such powerful weapons, and supplemented by naval gunfire, how could those Western barbarian soldiers entrenched in the fortresses possibly fight back?
"If Your Highness can provide me with two thousand flintlock muskets and one thousand rifles, along with sufficient ammunition and skilled gunners, I dare to pledge that before Your Highness's wedding, I will remove all the Western barbarian flags from Dongfan Island, replace them with the dragon flag of my Great Ming, and present them intact before Your Highness!" Flintlock muskets and rifles, especially the latter, are highly controlled strategic weapons in the Ming Dynasty. Currently, they are mainly equipped by the most elite Liaodong and Beijing garrison troops for dealing with the most critical land battles, and have not yet been widely used in the navy.
Zheng Zhilong's request was indeed somewhat unconventional. However, he was genuinely awestruck by the power of the firearms and knew that with their assistance, the landing and assault would be much more effective.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter, his laughter filled with unbridled joy.
"I thought it was something difficult! So this is it! Father-in-law, you certainly know how to choose! You have a sharp eye!"
He suppressed his smile, his expression turning serious, but without the slightest hint of reluctance, and readily replied:
"Very well! Since my father-in-law has given his word, how could I possibly refuse? Let alone two thousand flintlock muskets and a thousand rifles, even more would be worthwhile as long as they help you successfully conquer Dongfan! I will immediately issue an edict to the Ministry of War and the Ordnance Bureau, instructing them to transfer the full quantity of firearms from the Beijing Garrison's armory when you leave the capital, and to select instructors and craftsmen skilled in firearms to accompany you, responsible for teaching them how to use and maintain them, as well as for ammunition resupply. Make sure your men are proficient in them as soon as possible!"
Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhilong was overjoyed, feeling as refreshed as drinking ice-cold water on a sweltering summer day! He hadn't expected the Crown Prince to agree so readily and with such thorough consideration! He bowed deeply again, his voice booming:
"Your subject, Zheng Zhilong, thanks Your Highness for your great favor! Your Highness trusts me so much, I will certainly live up to your expectations! As for the matter of Dongfan, Your Highness, please await good news! I will present this generous gift before Your Highness's wedding!"
"Very well! I await my father-in-law's good news!"
Zhu Cilang also laughed heartily.
The two exchanged a knowing smile, everything understood without a word. Zhu Cilang ordered someone to bring in fresh hot tea, and the two solemnly clinked glasses, using tea instead of wine.
The tea went down my throat, yet it felt as if a surge of strong liquor was coursing through my chest.
At this moment, dusk had fallen outside the window, and palace lanterns were lit one after another.
Zheng Xiaomei had already quietly made all the arrangements, and said softly:
"Your Highness, Father has come from afar and will depart again tomorrow. I have already ordered some simple wine and dishes to welcome Father and to bid him farewell. Please, Your Highness, move with Father to the dining hall."
Zhu Cilang nodded with a smile:
"My younger sister is so thoughtful. Father-in-law, please."
"Your Highness, please go first."
The three moved to the East Palace's dining hall.
A finely laid-out meal was already set out in the hall. Though not extremely luxurious, it was a good balance of meat and vegetables, with fresh ingredients. What was even more remarkable was that there were several authentic Minnan (Southern Fujian) dishes, clearly prepared by Zheng Xiaomei at the kitchen's special request. During the meal, Zheng Zhilong stopped discussing important military and national affairs and instead talked about interesting anecdotes from the sea and the local customs of Fujian, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.
Zheng Xiaomei served dishes and poured wine on the side, her gentle eyes revealing her filial piety.
The family dinner lasted until late at night.
The moon is bright and the stars are few outside the window, and a refreshing autumn breeze is blowing.
It wasn't until the palace gates were about to close that Zheng Zhilong reluctantly got up to take his leave.
Zhu Cilang personally escorted her to the second gate of the East Palace, and Zheng Xiaomei, with tears in her eyes, helped her father into the carriage.
Watching Zheng Zhilong's sedan chair disappear into the night, Zhu Cilang stood with his hands behind his back on the steps, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and sharp light.
Dongfan, this precious island steeped in the vicissitudes of his past life, may have its fate dramatically altered by his conversation with Zheng Zhilong tonight.
And thus, the grand prelude to the Ming Dynasty's expansion into the oceans will truly begin.
A few days later, after repeated consultations and weighing of the pros and cons between the cabinet and several knowledgeable senior officials, a complete memorial was finally formed regarding the handling of the matter of "the descendants of Confucius breaking the law and needing to be punished and their collateral branches being relocated to Liaodong and Korea to educate the people." This memorial was then presented to Crown Prince Zhu Cilang.
Zhu Cilang sat upright behind the large sandalwood desk in the study of the Eastern Palace, unfolding the memorial personally led by Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan and jointly signed by several cabinet ministers. His gaze calmly swept over the well-organized and carefully worded text.
The core of the solution is simple and clear.
First, we must severely punish those who break the law to set the record straight.
Anyone in the Shandong Kong clan who has conclusive evidence of committing crimes such as seizing farmland, disregarding human life, engaging in market manipulation, embezzlement, bribery, or colluding with government officials, regardless of kinship, shall be punished severely, swiftly, and heavily. Those who deserve execution shall be sentenced to immediate execution; those who deserve exile or military service shall be immediately dispatched; and those whose property should be confiscated shall be dealt with without leniency.
Using an iron fist, he demonstrated to the world his determination that "if the prince breaks the law, the commoner shall be punished the same," and cleared away moral obstacles for the subsequent "relocation and education of the people."
Secondly, distinguish between primary and secondary elements to preserve the overall picture.
As for the direct descendants of the Kong family, especially the contemporary Duke Yansheng Kong Yinzhi himself, and his core close relatives, the memorials only used vague terms such as "lax discipline," "unsound family style," and "lacking in education" to lightly mention them, suggesting that they be reprimanded and ordered to reflect on their mistakes behind closed doors.
The core intention is clear: the Duke Yansheng himself must not be directly implicated in those specific crimes, and the shocking scandal of "the Duke Yansheng colluding with the enemy" must not be leaked in the slightest.
This concerns the last, crumbling dignity of the entire civil service and even the entire scholarly community.
The blame must be firmly limited to the scope of "certain unworthy collateral branches." (End of Chapter)