Chapter 53: The Hope of Lucky Gold, a Small Punishment
However, Zhu Yongxing's final bottom line is not too extreme...Yicheng also knew something about the situation beforehand. He knew that the place marked Haiphong on the map was just a small fishing village with dozens of families living in it, but he didn't know why Zhu Yongxing attached so much importance to it.
, If you don't want to get it quickly, you won't even hesitate to fight with swords.
It is just a small fishing village now, but it will become a big port in the future! It can build wharves, build military stations, set up commercial halls, and expand the port. Moreover, with the navigation rights of the Jingtai River, not only the external trade channels of Yunnan Province will be
It can be opened, and troops can be transported from coastal defense to fight. After that, either immigration and expansion of the Mekong Delta, or attacking Fangcheng and Qinzhou in Guangxi from the sea will play a great role.
Zhu Yongxing discussed with Yicheng for a while, and finally made the explanation clear. Yicheng then drafted a letter of incrimination to the Annan Zheng family. After Zhu Yongxing reviewed it, he asked Yicheng to act according to the plan.
If he had not continued to guard against the Qing army in Yunnan Province and had plans to attack Guangxi, Zhu Yongxing's bottom line would not be so low. Of course, if a sword-to-sword encounter was really necessary, he would not hesitate. Annan's Commander-in-Chief's Office already had
As long as Zhu Yongxing puts out words, these guys will definitely respond actively in order to expand their territory. As for the Ming army, they only need to send a small number of troops to assist in the battle. The Zheng family, whose main force is still in the south and is fighting hard with the Ruan family, will also recruit
Can't stand it.
But now, if he can easily achieve his goal, Zhu Yongxing does not want to destroy the overall stability of the Annan base. Moreover, he also wants to suppress the commander-in-chief and let them contribute more to the cause of resisting the Qing Dynasty.
Yicheng is resourceful and has a business mind, so he is very suitable for this kind of negotiation. He is still the leader behind the Annan Commander-in-Chief's Office. In name, he has Zheng Hua as a puppet, and Huang Xiuren as a loser below, to control the Annan Commander-in-Chief's Office.
Works pretty well.
Although the outlet to the sea might be gained without a fight, Zhu Yongxing still did not give up his plan to advance towards Guangxi, and had already started quietly. The three thousand Ming army was led by generals Zhang Guoyong, Lei Qisheng, and Wang Sancai, as they headed west to Zhennan Pass.
The vanguard is heading towards Pingjia, Tongdeng, and Qixi. As long as the situation in Yunnan Province eases, the follow-up army will be led by Ruyang Wang Mabao and follow up into Guangxi.
As for the future strategic direction of the Ming army, Gaoping Mo now also understands that it will be a matter of time before he enters Guangxi. Mo is also very conflicted about this. If the Ming and Qing Dynasties start a war in Guangxi, Gaoping Mo will be right in the middle, and it is inevitable to feed the people.
, and may also suffer disasters like fish in the pond.
On this issue, differences arose between the older generation of the Mo family and the newer youths. Mo Jingyao had ambitions to go there, but was reluctant to part with the palace in Gaoping, so he only took Qixi, Pingjia, and Tongdeng to the west of Zhennan Pass.
He handed over to the Ming army, but refused to leave Gaoping.
The younger generation, headed by Mo Jingyao's son Mo Yuanqing, believed that Gaoping, Qixi, Langshan and other lands bordering Guangxi should be abandoned, and the land of Laizhou and Shanluo should be exchanged with the Ming army. This would avoid the wars of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Avoid being affected, and operate in Laizhou and Shanluo, which have a larger territory, and wait for the opportunity to seize land from Zhenla to the west to strengthen themselves, and later compete with the Zheng family of Annan. If you stay in the small area of Gaoping, you will be greedy for luxury.
, and where can there be a scene of lying down and taking courage, and cheering up?
When I am dead, my son can cheer up again! Although Zhu Yongxing appreciates Mo Yuanqing's idea, he does not think that he will have this opportunity in the future. Annan will be included in the Chinese territory sooner or later, how can there be any more vassals?
The study room became quiet, and Zhu Yongxing picked up the documents again to review and give instructions.
More than two thousand Huihui have arrived in Annan and have been resettled west of Shaba. This is what Zhu Yongxing agreed to when passing through Menghua Prefecture (Weishan and other places), on the condition that a group of Huihui craftsmen work in the arsenal; there are three Bai people
More than a hundred households also settled in Beiguang, which fulfilled their promise to Duan Wan'er and put the Bai lacquerware on the export list; Menghua Zuo Xinghai got the land as he wished and also fought for his son.
Obtaining the title of Annan Commander-in-Chief, the price was that thousands of Yi people became independent residents of Annan and 3,000 native soldiers joined the army.
The craftsmen sent by the arsenal have already set off for Tengchong. In addition to expanding Tengchong's sulfur production, they also need to establish a second ordnance factory to manufacture weapons and ammunition for the Ming Army in West Yunnan nearby. The saltpeter and sulfur purchased by Yu Xian, plus his own
The sulfur and saltpeter produced and collected temporarily meet the production needs of the arsenal, but as the scale of production expands, large quantities will need to be purchased.
The territory is getting bigger, and there are more minerals. The silver factory includes Waichong in Xundian, Huangmaoling and Fanshan in Jianshui, Yimeng and Shiyang in Nan'an, Guanyin Mountain in Zhaozhou (near Xiaguan City), and Yunnan (Xiangyun)
Liangwang Mountain in Liangwang Mountain, Jade Silk in Heqing, Zhilai in Shunning, Yinguo in Nan'an, etc.; the copper factory has Lujuchong in Jianshui, Laohetang, Lao Yingou in Shunning (Fengqing), etc.; the iron factory has roads.
Xiaoshuijing in the south, Sanshan in Luliang (Luliang), Xiaodongjie in Dayao (still named today), Xiyao in Menghua, etc.; the lead factory includes Weize River in Luoping (still named today), Jianshui
Qingshuigou, Sanjianshan in Yao'an, etc.; Gold Factory includes Nanbeiya and Jinshajiang River in Heqing.
These are only rough statistics so far, and there are still many that are not included. Although Yunnan is remote, its mining industry is developed, and it deserves to be called a "real estate and hardware" land. However, the mining tax has had many disadvantages since the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Yongxing believes that the most fundamental reason is
The civil service group itself is the spokesperson for the interests of the business group, and naturally it strongly opposes any policy that may harm the interests of its group. Regarding this, Zhu Yongxing is not facing a lot of pressure now, but he is very cautious. He is investigating and researching and preparing to launch a more scientific and reasonable policy.
policy.
There are salt wells in Yunnan, and the salt tax has been reduced by Zhu Yongxing from 1.6% in the late Ming Dynasty to 2%, which is the same as the Jianjiang salt tax at that time. In areas controlled by the Qing army, the original amount was still levied. Therefore,
People in controlled areas often cannot afford salt and "eat bland food willingly", while ethnic minorities "don't know the taste of salt". It is time-consuming and expensive for households engaged in frying salt. In addition, heavy taxes are imposed, and the salt cannot be sold.
,Exceptional hardship,
He treated the people harshly, and I treated them leniently. With contrast, only then could there be yearning, reluctance, and a desire to resist. The land in Dian Province that had been ravaged by the Qing army was regained by the Ming army.
It is like a piece of white paper that can be swayed by Zhu Yongxing, but the resistance is already minimal.
Be steady, be slow, it doesn't matter. A good reputation for being wise and tolerant, policies and laws that the people sincerely support, a safe home that people are willing to fight to protect, effective management measures... I have some hard power, and soft power.
It must also be consolidated and strengthened.
Zhu Yongxing reviewed the instructions and thought about the records. Time passed quickly. It was not until Mengzhu brought the food with the maid that he felt hungry.
Ever since she changed Duan Wan'er's clothes, Mengzhu has never tired of it and started to collect costumes from various ethnic groups or make them by herself. This is a feast for Zhu Yongxing's eyes, and he feels pleasing to the eye every day. Today, he is wearing a mix and match, a white top
, the red waistcoat is a common dress of the Bai people, but the dress is a colorful long skirt, a bit like the Dai people.
"Well, they look good when matched with each other." Zhu Yongxing looked up and down and praised: "She is beautiful and looks good no matter what she wears."
Mengzhu smiled happily, arranged the bowls and chopsticks, and sat down to eat with Zhu Yongxing.
"I'm so busy these days." Zhu Yongxing opened his mouth and took the dish from Mengzhu. While chewing, he said apologetically: "Wu Sangui has never been reassuring. I'm afraid the things I promised you will have to be postponed again."
Just put it off."
Mengzhu nodded and said with a smile: "I don't think there's any need for a big deal. Now is an extraordinary period. It's better to be frugal and low-key. It shows that His Highness is working hard to achieve his goals and is not extravagant."
Zhu Yongxing pondered for a moment, shook his head, and said: "It's a big deal, let's do it. First, let everyone know your identity; secondly... Haha, I have a reason. If nothing happens, it will be
At the end of this month!”
Getting married, celebrating birthdays, giving birth to children... Zhu Yongxing would certainly not miss this good opportunity to receive gifts. He would not accept gifts from his soldiers, generals and officials, but the Zheng family, Mo family in Annan, plus various chieftains, Zhu Yongxing did not want to let it go.
If you want to save money from these guys, it is a good choice to use it as your own savings or to invest it generously in the cause of resisting the Qing Dynasty.
Seeing that Zhu Yongxing had made the decision, Mengzhu felt happy in her heart, her smile was like a flower, and her hands became more and more attentive. Sometimes she put vegetables into Zhu Yongxing's mouth, and sometimes she fed him soup, which made Zhu Yongxing feel comfortable all over.
After dinner, Mengzhu served tea and chatted with Zhu Yongxing to rest.
"Your Highness, since it is scheduled to be at the end of the month, how about letting my brother go to Tengchong later?" Mengzhu took Zhu Yongxing's hand, gently drew circles on his palm with his fingers, and suggested tentatively.
Zhu Yongxing thought for a while and felt that time was not so urgent, so he nodded and agreed.
Zhao Wang Bai Wenxuan has proposed to Zhu Yongxing that the troops and horses in Tongtieguan should be withdrawn and Zhu Yongxing would send people to guard it. Although Tongtieguan is small, it is an important route from Yunnan to Myanmar. Bai Wenxuan abandoned the garrison here, and the meaning is self-evident.
Zhu Yongxing thought about it and found that his uncle was the most trustworthy, so he obtained Siwei's consent and sent Menghe to lead 500 mengshan Ke tribesmen and 300 Ming troops to cooperate with him to guard the area.
The only remaining road leading to Burma was Mubang, which was guarded by King Li Dingguo of Jin Dynasty. Although Li Dingguo also made the same statement, he had not yet taken action, nor had he notified Zhu Yongxing to send troops to replace the defense. Zhu Yongxing did not urge it, but
It seemed like he had ulterior motives, so he just let nature take its course and wait.
As for the candidate to guard Mubang, Zhu Yongxing has also chosen it. It is Long Ji Zhao. Although he does not have any extraordinary achievements, he can be considered to have some military knowledge. To guard Tongtieguan and Mubang, what is needed is not military strategy, but the right to control.
Zhu Yongxing's loyalty. As for the people who have the closest relationship with Zhu Yongxing, they are naturally the two women's natal families. Their interests are inseparable from Zhu Yongxing's, so they will definitely not have any strange thoughts.
"Right now, let's inform Annan's Zheng family, Mo family, and those chieftains. Well, I also want to explain in particular that in extraordinary times, we should be frugal in weddings and not be extravagant." Zhu Yongxing put Mengzhu's hand under his mouth and nose.
, kissing and sniffing gently, laughing like a chicken.
Mengzhu chuckled and said: "There is no three hundred taels of silver here. Your Highness is trying to hide it."
"The money from those guys is nothing if you don't take it." Zhu Yongxing said slightly apologetically: "When we were in Dali, I only asked you and Long'er to briefly pick a few items, and the rest of the property was used for military purposes. This
When you return, just leave half of it!"
Mengzhu thought for a while, shook her head and said: "Your Highness will be rich all over the world in the future, why do you need to covet this small fortune now? All the registration and registration will be used for military purposes, I am not stingy."
"Concubine? What you said is quite smooth." Zhu Yongxing was happy to hear that. He stretched out his hands to hold Mengzhu in his arms, kissed her face several times, and then kissed her warm red lips.
Mengzhu obediently agreed, spitting out cloves, and actually gained some skills.
……………
When Guang Guo Gong He Jiuyi walked out of the house, the sun was directly shining down on his head, making him squint his eyes. After a while, he saw three military police standing in the courtyard, and a military police officer standing in front of him with his hands behind his back.
Looking at him expressionlessly.
"It seems like it's past noon? I didn't even have a bowl of wine when I ate just now. This decapitation meal is really bad." Guang Guo Gong He Jiuyi laughed at himself, thinking that his life had come to an end, although he was not there when he was imprisoned.
He didn't suffer much, but he was tortured psychologically. His Highness Min must have returned and was finally going to deal with him.
"He Jiuyi, although he did not collude with the rebels, has committed the crime of concealment and failure to retaliate. The Military Law Department has jointly decided to demote him by two ranks to see the consequences..."
He Jiuyi bent down and listened to the military police officer reading aloud. He had not yet reacted and was still waiting for the final decision on punishment.
The sound of footsteps sounded, and the three military policemen turned and walked away. Only then did He Jiuyi wake up, raised his head, and blinked in confusion.
"Haha, Lao He, why are you so stupid?" With a hearty laugh, Ruyang Wang Ma Bao strode into the yard and joked with a smile: "Why, you still can't bear to part with this house?"
"What, what's going on?" He Jiuyi still seemed to be in a dream, saying in disbelief: "Is it just like this? Is this the end of the matter?"
"Then what else do you want?" Ma Bao raised his eyebrows and said with a smile: "The title was reduced by two levels, and the Duke became an earl. It seems like you got an advantage."
He Jiuyi thought for a moment, then suddenly bowed deeply to Ma Bao and said, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your kind words, Jiuyi will not die."
"Hey?" Ma Bao turned aside to avoid He Jiuyi's great gift and said, "If you want to thank me, thank His Highness. Your Highness once said: A ruthless man may not be a true hero, and a pity for a son is not a husband. As for you, a small punishment but a big punishment. This
It’s such a kindness, please repay it later!”
"Your Highness, I will definitely repay your kindness with death." He Jiuyi looked for a random direction and cupped his hands.
"Today is a double happiness. Let's go, follow me." Ma Bao grabbed He Jiuyi and walked out, sighing: "Your Highness is indeed very kind. After a while, you will feel that even death is not enough."
He Jiuyi didn't know why, so he followed Ma Bao out of the courtyard where he was imprisoned. Outside, Ma Bao's two personal guards were waiting with their horses. Everyone got on their horses and galloped away.
Not long after walking, everyone came to a village and just stopped in front of a courtyard. People inside the house heard the sound of horse hooves and hurriedly came out to greet them.
"Daddy, daddy." A boy about ten years old ran fast and shouted happily. A woman followed behind, wiping tears from time to time.
He Jiuyi couldn't believe his eyes. He fell off the horse and took a few steps forward. The boy threw himself into his arms. A few tears immediately burst out of his eyes, but his throat was choked...
Of course, people in that era were not as unrestrained in expressing emotions as they are in modern times, not to mention that there were Ma Bao and others around. He Jiuyi was also anxious to know the truth of the matter, so he quickly put away his emotions and asked his wife to bring their children into the house.
Turn around and prepare to ask Ma Bao.
"Our army won a great victory in Yuanjiang, beheaded and captured several of Wu Ni's trusted generals." Ma Bao asked a few of his soldiers to bring the food, meat, vegetables and other items they had brought to the house, and took the initiative to explain to He Jiuyi: "Min
His Highness made a deal with Wu Ni and exchanged the heads of Wu Ni's trusted generals for some of their lost dependents. His wife and children were specifically requested from Wu Ni by name. As soon as I arrived today, I
Urge the Military Law Department to go and release you."
Understood. He Jiuyi thought about it for a moment and realized that although His Highness Min intended to punish him with a small amount of punishment, he was still not at ease after all. Perhaps he had made two solutions, light and heavy, depending on the situation. He exchanged his wife from Wu Sangui.
, naturally no longer had any doubts about surrendering and rebelling, and the only punishment for him was to be demoted by two ranks.
Despite this, He Jiuyi was still indescribably grateful. It was just a two-level title, and being able to reunite with his family was better than anything else.
"Your Highness, I should go and say thank you." He Jiuyi bowed his hand to Ma Bao and said, "Your Majesty, please——"
"His Highness is not here." Ma Bao waved his hand and said: "His Highness also explained that there is no need for red tape. Thank you. As long as Uncle Pingshuo can fulfill his duties faithfully in the future, that will be enough."
"Please tell His Highness that He Jiuyi will die to repay His Highness's great kindness." He Jiuyi solemnly raised his hands, paused and said, "His Highness has long been interested in making progress in Guangxi. He is not talented enough, so he is willing to use his old horse to guide the way."
I can do my best for Your Highness."
Ma Bao admired He Jiuyi's mind very much, nodded slightly, and said: "Uncle Pingshuo's words are exactly what His Highness meant. Let me put it simply, and it won't delay your husband and wife's reunion. Although our army won the battle of Yuanjiang, but the Yunnan
The provincial Qing army still has fighting strength, and its movement is unknown. His Highness cannot send more troops. He can only mobilize 10,000 troops to advance into Guangxi. The initial plan is to break through the south pass of the town and advance eastward. The vanguard troops have moved closer to Qixi to garrison. Ping Shuobo
I have been in Guangxi for a long time and am familiar with human geography. I can come up with an army strategy. Well, after five days, Uncle Pingshuo must report to the military camp. Haha, before the army moves, I can still get together with my wife in the evening."
"General, I will obey the order." He Jiuyi bowed and held his hands in a respectful manner.
"Whether the Guangxi War Zone can be opened up depends on whether our final plan can be approved by His Highness." Prince Ma Bao of Ruyang patted He Jiuyi's arm expectantly, and briefly said a few words about the future of He Jiuyi's family.
Then he took the people on their horses and left.
He Jiuyi watched Ma Bao and others walk away, then hurriedly entered the hospital, reunited with his wife and children, told each other about their separation experiences and lovesickness, cried and laughed, and vented their feelings to their heart's content.