In the dim dungeon, Wang Baoyu opened his eyes and looked at the dark and damp walls. The smelly floor was full of pits and people's feces and urine were mixed with bits of blood, and the smell was extremely unpleasant.
At this time, his eyes were empty, as if he had lost hope. He was locked in a dark cell, and he knew that he would never get out in this life.
As a former great pirate who dominated the sea and even briefly occupied the Ming Dynasty's Zhoushan Island, Wang Baoyu's illustrious reputation is known to everyone on the sea. But now he has been caught and trapped in this island.
There is no daylight in prison.
Zhu Zhanzhen set up the Japanese Basic Development Fund in Japan and distributed money to all Japanese people. The condition was that they must be criminals with no criminal records in their families, and he also gave those who had reformed their lives a chance to atone.
Most of his men were Japanese pirates. They rebelled after learning the news. In turn, they captured Wang Baoyu and dedicated it to Emperor An of Japan. After learning about the grudge between Wang Baoyu and Zhu Zhanzhen, they waited until Zhu Zhanzhen came back.
Dedicate Wang Baoyu to him.
This is an opportunity to make meritorious deeds, and it is also an opportunity to please Zhu Zhanzhen. These people will not let it go.
Wang Baoyu knew that he was on the verge of death. The Japanese consortium that had funded him had long since drawn a clear line with him, and they themselves were in jail.
He never thought that the little brat a few years ago could control Japan so effectively. The generals and emperors of Japan regarded him as a guest, and the people even called him ".
The Supreme Emperor.
The prison door slowly opened, and the light sneaked in through the crack in the door. The long-lost light seemed a bit dazzling.
"Wang Baoyu, come out." The jailer's words made Wang Baoyu realize that his death day had come.
Walking with heavy steps, he looked up at the jailer and said: "Prison leader, it's against the rules. You must be fed before execution. There is no meat or wine."
snap
The whip whipped over: "There's so much nonsense, let's go quickly."
Wang Baoyu walked out, but found that he was not taken to execution but to an open place. There were no less than two hundred people here, all of whom were death row prisoners or serious criminals, and the young man who allowed himself to be arrested was there.
On the high wall not far away.
Wang Baoyu looked at Zhu Zhanyang with anger, but Zhu Zhanyang did not see him in his eyes. In his eyes, these group of death row prisoners or serious criminals were all the same.
After the jailer brought everyone together, he said: "You have all committed serious crimes. Many of you will be imprisoned for life or sentenced to death. But now His Majesty the Emperor has graciously given you a new chance to live. You can redeem your crimes and perform meritorious service, and you can regain your freedom."
After hearing that they can survive, many people have thoughts in their hearts, but everyone also knows that this condition will be very harsh, and they cannot refuse, because they no longer have the rights as human beings.
Zhu Zhanzhen was discussing the matter with Ashikaga Yoshitsune. Ashikaga Yoshitsune said with a smile on his face: "Your Highness, this is a good idea. In this way, the pressure in the cells in various parts of Japan will be reduced. Sending these people to dig canals will also
It’s considered waste reuse.”
"How many people can we get together?"
"Everywhere is dealing with it. It is estimated that there should be six to seven thousand people."
Zhu Zhanzhen nodded: "These people are ready and waiting for my news at any time."
"no problem."
Zhu Zhanzhen's plan was to use these death row prisoners or serious criminals to dig canals first. These people themselves were guilty of heinous crimes, so there was no need to treat them too mercifully.
The imperial court finally agreed to Zhu Zhanzhen's plan, but the imperial court's intention was very clear and it would not provide too much funding for his western expedition.
All Zhu Zhanchen wanted was to have peace of mind, and he didn't expect the court to provide too many resources for him to go on the Northern Expedition. He just wanted to allow him to expand his army.
As for money, the Guangdong vassal has sufficient funds now, and it also has its biggest guard of honor, Shi Jian Yin Shan.
Everyone underestimated the immeasurable wealth of this silver mountain that had just begun to be mined, which could support Zhu Zhanzhen's next campaign, digging, and digging.
Death row inmates from Japan and South Asia could together make up tens of thousands of people.
Tens of thousands of people may seem like a large scale, but it is still far from enough to dig a canal.
But now Zhu Zhanzhen's top priority is to go to the Suez Canal first and see it on the spot. Moreover, how to get along with the Ottoman Empire on the Suez Canal is still a problem.
Therefore, Zhu Zhanzhen had to make arrangements for the personnel to dig the canal.
He has never been so busy, and he is sailing on the sea on a steam warship without stopping.
"Mu Bin, continue recruiting troops. The First Fleet in the South China Sea remains unchanged, and its main mission is still near Japan." Zhu Zhanzhen cannot let Shi Jian Yinshan have any problems, so this also requires naval deterrence, and the First Fleet cannot move.
"The Second Fleet will expand by half, increase its warships by half, and continue to operate in the Southeast Asian countries."
"The Third Fleet will double its force and follow me to the Western Ocean as the main force to defend the Western Ocean and maintain shipping lanes."
"The Fourth Fleet, an elite fleet of 1,500-1,800 people, will be formed as soon as possible, including those who returned with Zheng He, and will set off as soon as possible, bypassing the mainland to join Hou Xian and others, and establish the early stage
Base area."
"The Fifth Fleet has formed the largest reserve fleet and is ready for war at any time."
"Mu Bin, I hope you stay in the First Fleet. There must be someone I absolutely trust to look after Japan's affairs."
Mu Bin immediately said: "Your Highness, Mu Bin is willing to fight with you. Zhang Qishan should be more suitable than me for Japan's affairs."
"Zhang Qishan is a scholar, and I am very satisfied that he handles everything appropriately, but after all, he still has to lead troops. He has no experience, so you have to keep him."
"Your Highness... I still want to go with you." Mu Bin said firmly.
Zhu Zhanzhen looked at him and understood. Mu Bin also wanted to make contributions. The South China Sea Fleet has been so invincible on the sea in recent years. There are no other Southeast Asian countries who dare to fight, and pirates and the like are completely unworthy. If
To leave a name in history, you have to follow Zhu Zhanzhen in the Western Expedition.
He knew that Zhu Zhanzhen's western expedition would be a highlight in history no matter what, and it was a good opportunity to make contributions.
Seeing that he had this intention, Zhu Zhanzhen agreed: "Then you go to the Third Fleet as captain and follow me to the West."
"Your Highness, I want to go to the Fourth Fleet." Mu Bin volunteered.
"No." Zhu Zhanzhen rejected him directly: "After the formation of the Fourth Fleet, it will go to find Hou Xian and others, and establish an early base. It may take a long time without assistance. This time may be one or two years.
It may be longer, until we dig the canal, and you are more suitable in the Third Fleet."
"Your Highness, I am not afraid of danger."
"It's not a matter of danger. The Fourth Fleet wants strong troops, not command. When the command comes there, Hou Xian will be responsible for it. You are a handsome man, but it's such a waste, so you stay in the Third Fleet as the captain."
Putting aside his worries, Mu Bin saluted solemnly: "Thank you, Your Highness."
Digging a canal is not a simple matter. There are many aspects that need to be involved. Now Zhu Zhanji has set off from Shuntian Mansion to attack Oara in the north. Zhu Zhanzhen also wrote to his second uncle, asking him to contact the Timurid Empire.
Of course, the journey was far, and this reply would take a long time. Zhu Zhanzhen couldn't wait any longer.
After making arrangements for several large fleets, Zhu Zhanzhen ignored the court orders and set off privately with the Third Fleet and the Fourth Fleet.
Yang Lu, who was the commander-in-chief of the Guangdong vassal, learned that Zhu Zhanchang was leaving and immediately ran to find Zhu Zhanchang.
As a confidant of Emperor Yongle at that time, Yang Lu served as the capital commander in Guangzhou over the years and did a very good job. Moreover, he was an upright person and was very decent. However, because he was too decent, he seemed a little unreasonable.
No one was found in Haiwang Mansion, so Yang Lu rushed to Xiangjiang Port overnight. Unexpectedly, Zhu Zhanzhen was preparing to set off at this time.
Yang Lu immediately stepped forward and stopped Zhu Zhanzhen: "Your Highness, you must not do this."
Zhu Zhanzhen kept it secret from him because he knew that he would definitely stop him, but he didn't expect to let him catch up anyway. Two hours later, he and his group set off.
But it’s a shame if you can hide it. The main battle groups of the Fourth Fleet and the Third Fleet of the South China Sea are about to set off. If you want to completely hide such a big operation from the commander, then the commander will be a bit derelict in his duty.
"Commander Yang, I must go this time. Of course, you can rest assured that I am not going for revenge. The journey is so far away. I will not be so irrational. I am just taking advantage of this opportunity to control the West. The distance is
It has been so many years since we controlled Nanyang, and the Western lands should also be under our control." Zhu Zhanyi found a better reason.
Yang Lu was not a child who was deceived by Zhu Zhanzhen: "Your Highness, the fleet is so powerful, and I know your plan, but we should wait until His Highness the Crown Prince returns to the court with a victory before setting off. Your private actions may make the court angry.
"
Zhu Zhanchen sighed: "Commander Yang, I can't wait any longer."
"Your Highness, I understand how you feel, but..."
"Commander Yang, I must set out today. If you want to stop me, just do it. Cut off my legs with your knife and I will naturally be unable to leave."
"Wei Chen doesn't dare!"
"If you don't dare, just get out of the way. No one can stop me from starting today unless I die." Zhu Zhanyi said extremely firmly.
Yang Lu was in a dilemma. If he allowed Zhu Zhanxi to set off, it would be a serious dereliction of duty on his part, and the court would definitely blame him. However, if he did not allow Zhu Zhanxun to set off, look at Zhu Zhanxang's attitude. The guards around him would also be waiting for him.
Can't stop it.
Zhu Zhanzhen gave him a big problem. Everything he did was wrong.
Seeing his helpless look, Zhu Zhanzhen sighed and said, "Commander Yang, I have staked everything on my trip to the West."
"I don't have to go. I am the prince of the Ming Dynasty. I have a huge amount of wealth. I only need to lie in my palace and enjoy wine and meat every day, singing and laughing. But why should I go? It is to avenge Zheng He alone.
Of?"
Yang Lu couldn't answer Zhu Zhanzhen's question. Looking at the angry face of the young prince in front of him, he suddenly felt that this prince had really grown up now.
"I want to avenge Zheng He, but I also want to tell all the people of the Ming Dynasty, the ministers of the Ming Dynasty, and the descendants of the Ming Dynasty. Anyone who offends our Ming Dynasty will be punished no matter how far away they are."
Zhu Zhanyi's words were so convincing that Yang Lu couldn't help but feel that Zhu Zhanyi did the right thing.
"Commander Yang, you just need to report the truth about my departure. If you stopped me, if you couldn't stop me, even if there is a punishment, it should be light. Commander Yang has always been upright. I, Zhu Zhanyi, admire me very much. Over the years,
I am deeply honored to be able to work with Commander Yang in the Guangdong Domain."
"The humble minister is terrified."
While the two were talking, Fang Zhisi from the Guangdong feudal clan also arrived.
"Is Fang Zisi also here to persuade me?"
Fang Shi felt embarrassed. He must have come to persuade Zhu Zhanzhen, but he also knew that he could not persuade him.
Seeing that he was silent, Zhu Zhanzhen walked towards the boat.
At this time, Yang Lu clasped his hands in his fists and shouted angrily: "Your Majesty went here in violation of the imperial order, and the humble minister failed to dissuade him as the commander of the capital. If he is dismissed from his post and investigated, it will be the responsibility of the humble minister. If he can continue to stay in the commander of the capital,
In my position, I will still act as usual, and I hope that the prince will go to the West to promote the prestige of our country, so that our people will never be bullied by foreigners."
Zhu Zhanzhen turned back to look at Yang Lu and returned the gesture with his fists raised.
Fang Shi, who had just arrived, was stunned for a moment. What was going on? Yang Lu seemed to be supporting Zhu Zhanxi in his expedition, and he also took the responsibility on himself to help Zhu Zhanxi share it.
"Commander Yang, if you don't help to persuade me, why are you adding fuel to the fire?"
"Can you persuade me?"
"I can't help it."
"I can't help you. Since I can't help you, why not take care of your own business so that the prince doesn't have to worry about anything."
Fang Shi looked at Yang Lu in surprise. Many years of working together had taught him that this man's temper was as smelly and hard as the stones in the latrine.
"I'm a little surprised why the commander is so supportive of His Highness."
Yang Lu looked at the back of Zhu Zhanzhen who had boarded the ship, and said loudly: "Because your highness is right. If you want the people of the Ming Dynasty not to be bullied in the future, you must let the Ming Dynasty's army establish supreme power on the sea.
"
"But how do you explain it to the court?"
Yang Lu frowned slightly: "Fang Zhensi, it would be unfavorable for you to tell the court that I blocked the prince. Please ask for punishment from the court."
"Ah?" Fang Shi was puzzled.
Yang Lu said very firmly: "You and I are the right-hand men of the prince. At least one of us must be in the position to look after this huge Guangdong feudal clan for the prince."
Although the two of them often had different opinions, they both chose to stay in the Guangdong vassal to help Zhu Zhanxing. Zhu Zhanxing had not treated them badly over the years, and Yang Lu felt from the bottom of his heart that Zhu Zhanxing did what he did even though he was in a hurry.
Yes, so if you want to mention Zhu Zhanzhen's share of the burden, you must at least give an explanation to the court.
Removing the commander-in-chief of the Guangdong vassal should make the court look better.
Fang Shi understood Yang Lu's thoughts, looked at Yang Lu solemnly, and bowed to him: "Brother Yang, don't worry, I know what should be done and what should not be done."