The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Zhang Lian did not continue to stay on the mountain, but took the two of them to see the harvest of this outing, and asked Tian Erzhuang to contact the boatmen who had experienced going to Nanyang among the boat people, to understand the situation, and to make arrangements for going to Nanyang.

The large group of people temporarily stayed on Dongfan Island. On the one hand, they needed to collect the supplies needed for navigation. On the other hand, they also wanted to familiarize their subordinates with navigation. Especially this time, many of the people who followed them appeared during the short journey from Fujian to Dongfan Island. experienced seasickness of varying severity.

If such people cannot get used to life on the ship and follow them on their journey, their lives will be in vain.

However, in Zhang Lian's mind, he naturally did not feel sorry for them, but worried that they would consume the fleet's supplies and waste manpower to take care of them.

Therefore, if there are still people who are seasick by then, he can only abandon them here and let them fend for themselves.

In addition, it is natural to think of some ways to collect more ships.

They escaped in a hurry this time, and their ships were not enough. Collecting more ships could carry more fresh water and food, and achieve a longer voyage.

At sea, he had already heard from Tian Erzhuang that on this vast sea, there were countless ships sailing at all times, and commerce was very prosperous.

These days, in order to familiarize everyone with life at sea, he has organized the fleet to go out for training twice, but only managed to grab one merchant ship, which should be the lucky ship of a certain maritime merchant from the Ming Dynasty.

But that's okay. After grabbing the lucky ship, his men can get started quickly, because many of them have experience in controlling it.

Naturally, a fleet of more than 2,000 people cannot run around casually. If they get lost on the sea, then only disaster awaits them. Fresh water alone is enough to kill them.

Every time they go to sea, the fleet must have a clear destination and follow the chart to find it. After arriving at the location, they must collect supplies and put them on the ship. Only by passing port by port can the safety of the fleet be ensured.

They were not worried about being discovered by the Ming court during this period. If the Ming court had continued to work carefully in Nanyang, those coastal merchants would have been wiped out many times.

They can still do maritime business secretly, which can only mean that Ming Dynasty has little influence in Nanyang. As long as they pass by, it will become very safe.

Dongfan Island, on the other hand, is too close to Mingting, so it is very unsafe.

Although he didn't have a clear goal, Zhang Lian still knew one thing, which was to stay as far away from Ming Ting as possible.

Zhang Lian has made his choice. He does not plan to show up in the Ming Dynasty again in the short term, for fear of attracting an encirclement and suppression by the Ming court army. However, there are still many people who care about him in the Ming Dynasty who don't know.

Zhang Nian has just received an imperial edict ordering him to governor the military affairs of Fujian. Now he is already a serious governor, responsible for Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian.

During this period, after learning that the remnants of Zhang Lian's fleet were sailing to sea, he ordered the coastal prefectures, counties and guards of Guangdong to pay close attention to the sea. The purpose was naturally to send troops to destroy Zhang Lian's fleet as soon as possible.

As a result, during this period of time, no trace of Zhang Lian was found, but the whereabouts of many Japanese pirate ships were found.

During this period of time, no trace of Zhang Lian was found, which made Zhang Nian feel very bad. What he was most worried about was that in such a situation, he would not know the whereabouts of his opponent.

Sitting in front of the desk, he quickly flipped through the official documents. At this moment, footsteps sounded outside the lobby, and an old man in scribe's uniform walked quickly.

"Mr. Jia is here. Please take a seat. Come and serve tea."

Mr. Jia was a Shaoxing master hired by Zhang Zhen with a huge sum of money. Not only was he proficient in matters such as criminal names, money and grain, and documents, but he had also followed his boss to border towns and seen battlefields, so he had gained a layer of military experience.

"My boss, we just received news from Fuzhou Prefecture that a large number of Japanese pirate ships were found heading south. This is really serious."

Mr. Jia gave up his seat to Zhang Zhen and asked someone to serve him tea, but he had no intention of sitting down. Instead, he walked to the desk in a few steps, took out an official document from his sleeve and handed it to him.

"Fuzhou?"

Zhang Zhen's eyelids twitched slightly when he heard this.

After taking over Fujian, I found that the place is now a mess. I really have to admire the governor You Zhen for his skill. Another person might not be so good at it.

"So, the Japanese pirates plan to go south again and plunder Guangdong?"

After a long time, Zhang Zhen finally spoke.

"Master, I don't think so."

At this time, Mr. Jia stood in front of the desk and analyzed: "Previously, General Liu Xian led his troops to wipe out the Japanese pirates along the coast of Guangdong. He once reported that the Japanese pirates avoided the battle and retreated to the sea. He tracked down the enemy all the way to the vicinity of Chaozhou Prefecture and watched the traces of the Japanese pirates. Continue north.

A large group of Japanese pirate ships had also appeared near Quanzhou, so it must have been the Guangdong Japanese pirates. "

"You mean, the Japanese pirates want to loot Quanzhou Mansion?"

Zhang Zhen frowned when he heard this, then shook his head and said: "Although Quanzhou Prefecture is rich, the plague this time has not completely ended yet, and the Japanese pirates may not dare to go even if they eat the courage of a bear's heart and a leopard's courage."

At this time, whenever people hear that there is a plague in a certain place, they are afraid to avoid it. It is absolutely impossible for them to choose where to run at this time. In fact, for respiratory infectious diseases, even in later generations with advanced medicine, it is difficult to treat them. A kind of control.

"I'm talking about Xinghua Prefecture between Fuzhou Prefecture and Quanzhou Prefecture."

Mr. Jia shook his head at this time and said.

"Xinghua Mansion?"

Zhang Nian said with some disbelief, "Japanese pirates have invaded Xinghua Prefecture many times and were defeated by the army. How dare they attack Xinghua Prefecture?"

"The Japanese pirates from Fujian went south, while the Japanese pirates from Guangdong went north. It is difficult to say that the two groups of Japanese pirates want to join forces to march. Judging from their marching route, Xinghua Prefecture is the most likely target. That place is very rich."

Regarding Zhang Zhen's doubts, Mr. Jia analyzed it unhurriedly, "As far as I can guess, it is very likely that the Japanese pirates in Guangdong and Fuzhou were attracted by Japanese pirates entrenched around Xinghua Prefecture."

In fact, in Fujian, there are traces of Japanese pirates in several coastal counties. However, some time ago, the Ming Dynasty concentrated its army to encircle and suppress Zhang Lian's rebels, so it had no time to take care of these Japanese pirates for the time being. It only ordered the coastal counties to close the city gates and strictly guard the city.

"Do they still want to capture Xinghua Fucheng?"

Xinghua Prefecture is the Putian City of Fujian Province in later generations. It has beautiful mountains and rivers, outstanding people, hairpins and tassels one after another, and there are many talented people. It is known as "a country famous for literature".

Xinghua Prefecture is located to the south of Fuzhou Prefecture and to the north of Quanzhou Prefecture, the provincial capital. Therefore, its language, culture and architecture are a good integration and synthesis of the characteristics of eastern Fujian and southern Fujian.

Xinghua Prefecture has two counties under its jurisdiction: Xianyou and Putian. The original Xinghua County was abolished in the 13th year of Zhengtong and merged into Putian and Xian counties respectively.

At present, Fucheng is located in Putian County, close to the seaside, and is protected by Pinghai Guards stationed on the seaside.

In the eighth year of Yongle's reign, more than 2,000 Japanese pirates landed in Pinghai with the intention of looting Xinghua Prefecture. The Ming army led by Wang Mao, the commander of Pinghaiwei, fought back hard. The Japanese pirates were defeated and fled in panic.

In this battle, more than a thousand Japanese pirates were killed. For more than a hundred years, no Japanese pirates dared to reach Xinghua Prefecture.

It was not until recent years that Japanese pirates invaded Zhejiang and Fujian again, and Japanese pirates landed from time to time and robbed surrounding villages and towns.

"My boss, the focus of Xingquan Road is currently on Quanzhou, and solving the plague is the top priority. Xinghua Mansion is empty at this time, and I am worried that there will be changes due to this."

Jia Lao stared at Governor Zhang Zhen and said word by word: "Since the Japanese pirates were rampant along the coast, no government city has been lost."

Hearing this, Zhang Zhen suddenly stood up.

Over the years, many cities have been captured by Japanese pirates, but these cities are all county towns, and there is indeed no record of prefectural cities being captured.

"Are you worrying too much, Mr. Jia?"

Zhang Zhen didn't believe it.

"The Japanese pirates have gathered so many accomplices, and their plans are not trivial, otherwise they would never be like this."

Mr. Jia just replied.

He had just taken over Fujian. Although the place was in a mess due to the earthquake, he could not lose a city in his hands, otherwise the court would blame him and it would be unkind.

With this in mind, Zhang Zhen still considered it carefully and decided to send a general who was experienced in fighting to take charge of Xinghua Mansion.

"Mr. Jia, then write me an official document right away, instructing Liu Xian to lead his army north and go to Xinghua Mansion to take charge."

At this time, Zhang Zhen's first thought was Liu Xian, who led the army to fight against the Japanese pirates in Guangdong and won brilliantly.

"good."

Jia Lao agreed, and after Zhang Zhen gave up his position, he took the position of governor, picked up his pen and started writing official documents.

Soon, an official document was written, and after handing it to Zhang Zhen with both hands, Jia Lao suggested again when he was reviewing it: "At present, Yu Dayou, the deputy commander-in-chief of Southern Jiangxi, has not yet made a decree to break away from the control of his army, so he can be ordered to Lead the troops and horses from southern Jiangxi and go together."

"this"

Zhang Zhen was a little hesitant. Strictly speaking, the crisis in Xinghua Mansion was just speculation.

Based on a mere guess, he ordered the two general officers to lead the troops there, which seemed to be a bit of a fuss.

Fortunately for Liu Xian, the Guangdong army led by Liu Xian was dispersed to the coastal counties and cities due to the need to defend against Japanese pirates along the coast. Liu Xian himself did not actually have many troops with him, but only a thousand men. The horse bit can still support it, but the army led by Yu Dayou must be at least several thousand men and horses. Once this army moves, the consumption of a day is huge.

Although it is said that the food he eats comes from the court's money and food, after all, he has to take it out of his own hands.

If you can't get it out, soldiers these days will dare to make trouble with you.

Therefore, many times, these high-ranking figures have to think more when issuing orders.

If the Japanese pirates failed to be suppressed, their own soldiers would mutiny because of money and food.

"It's better to transfer Liu Xian first. Yu Dayou will hold his troops for the time being."

Zhang Nian still made what he thought was the safest decision, but little did he know that because of this decision, the most tragic murder in the Ming Dynasty since the suppression of Japanese was doomed.

In Beijing, the cabinet meeting chaired by Xu Jie and Yuan Wei finally made a decision.

"Since everyone has agreed, let's ask Mr. Yuan to draft a memorial and select the deputy capital censor Zhao Bingran and the minister Ge Jin as the candidates for the governor of Zhejiang."

A ministry meeting finally ended. After several discussions, the governor was selected, and the errand assigned by the emperor was completed.

Thinking of the news he had received earlier that Prince Yu's Mansion and Gao Gong were not involved in this matter, Xu Jie could only have a pity in his heart.

Originally, he wanted to push Gao Gong to go to Zhejiang, nominally to help him accumulate military merits, but the real purpose was of course to hope that he could stay away from King Yu.

Disciple Zhang Juzheng has brought news from Prince Yu's Mansion. It has been many years. His Highness Prince Yu still thinks of looking for Gao Gong first when something happens. This is not possible.

Xu Jie felt that he could still work under King Yu for another twenty years. With Gao Gong on his side, he could never let go.

However, since people are not happy, then forget it.

Naturally, the others had no objections to Xu Jie's summary, and they all nodded with a smile.

Although the Japanese pirates are now a little weaker, they are still the main trouble for the imperial court. No one knows whether this job is easy to handle. If the peach fell off before it was picked, it would be very appropriate for the Ministry of War and the Metropolitan Inspectorate to send someone, so Neither will object.

Zhao Bingran was recommended by Pan En and was obviously from Xu Jie. He might be the next censor of Zuodu.

As for Ge Jin, it's hard to say, he doesn't seem to be attached to anyone. Although Yang Bo recommended him, he can only say that the two are colleagues and have a good relationship.

Everyone has no opinion on the two candidates, so it depends on who Xiyuan chooses in the end.

After the cabinet meeting, the news naturally spread quickly.

Xu Jie immediately arranged for someone to deliver the news to Prince Yu's Mansion. Although Prince Yu was not taking care of things for the time being, as a minister, he had to maintain a straight posture and be informed of all the major and minor affairs in the court, so that Prince Yu could feel him. That's what it means.

"Your Majesty has replaced the Governor of Zhejiang Province and reinstated him as the Governor of Zhejiang Province?"

Zhang Juzheng looked at the note in his hand with some surprise. Previously, Prince Yu's palace had speculated who was most likely to go to Zhejiang to succeed Hu Zongxian, but no one expected this result.

"Zhao Bingran, Ge Jin."

Wei Guangde nodded. He knew these two people, but was not familiar with them. However, if he was to be the governor of Zhejiang, both of them would be suitable.

As a second-grade governor, Wei Guangde was very envious, but he had no chance at all, because his official position was too low.

"ah."

King Yu, who was sitting in the seat, stretched himself out and stood up and said: "Since it has been decided, we don't need to think about it anymore. Let's just go back to the back to rest." ’

After watching King Yu leave, Yin Shizhen chatted with Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng for a while. For example, Chen Yiqin and Ding You were about to finish their work, and the palace had received his letter asking about the arrangements for him.

However, the three of them discussed for a long time and did not expect that there would be any free positions in the court.

Maybe Zhang Juzheng knew, but he didn't say much.

"Go back to the Hanlin Academy, or enter Prince Yu's Mansion."

Seeing that there were no vacant positions in the imperial court, Wei Guangde could only say.

"Perhaps, he might also be allowed to participate in the ceremony."

Zhang Juzheng guessed that Chen Yiqin's official position at the time of Ding You was the fifth rank. Of course, he would not be promoted by half a rank except for serving. He was still a fifth-rank official, but the court was already full of carrots, and it seemed that there was no place where people could be packed. .

Thinking about Chen Yiqin's experience, he has been in Prince Yu's palace second only to Gao Gong and longer than Yin Shizhen, so his position in Prince Yu's heart is naturally very important.

Emperor Jiajing is now rewarding people in Prince Yu's palace and arranging official positions. Logically speaking, Chen Yiqin will be reused after returning to the court.

But there was no suitable official position, so the only way to reward Chen for his hard work was to participate in the ceremony. During this period, he waited for the official position to be vacant and accumulated merit at the same time.

Even if there is a suitable official position in the court in the future, after Chen Yiqin is transferred and the re-recording of the palace is completed, he can still use this to record his merits.