"I came all the way east, and only then did I know what it means to have a peaceful country and a peaceful people, and the happiness of the people."
It turned out that Sun Chengzong was greatly surprised when he saw the power of Xia's firearms in Lu Xiangsheng's army.
Later, the Qing army retreated and peace was restored in the capital. Lu Xiangsheng also rushed to Xuanda University to take up his post, and Sun Chengzong returned to his hometown.
But every time I dreamed about it at midnight, the scene of Lu Xiangsheng's army firing with guns and artillery, and the Qing army retreating steadily, always came to mind.
If he had such good firearms in Liaodong back then, why worry about not being able to defeat the Jurchens?
With sighs and sighs, Sun Chengzong's curiosity about Xia Kingdom increased to a higher level.
In addition, Baoding is not far from Shandong, and some people in my hometown often travel to Shandong. Every time I talk about it, I am full of admiration.
Sun Chengzong couldn't bear it any longer and simply made up his mind to come and take a look in person.
But when he walked from Cangzhou to Dezhou, this short journey made him feel like he was in another world.
Here in Cangzhou, the imperial army gathered and was always ready, and there was a sense of tension that war could break out at any time.
As far as the eye can see, Cangzhou is in an extremely dilapidated state.
There are only a few people in the city, and there are a lot of beggars outside the city. It is really unimaginable that this is right at the feet of the emperor.
But when I first arrived in Texas, it was a completely different scene.
It is very peaceful here. Except for the Xia Army's checkpoints on the main transportation roads, there is no military presence at all.
What's even more outrageous is that Dezhou has even demolished its city walls, and various newly built residential buildings have begun to spread out of the city.
The new concrete roads built one after another shocked Sun Chengzong.
It is so reassuring to see the endless stream of people walking leisurely on the road, as well as the colorful shop signs waving in the wind on both sides of the street.
Sun Chengzong also visited Cheng Shao.
Seeing his old friend enjoying life peacefully and carefree made him even more envious.
Cheng Shao admired Sun Chengzong very much and kept advising him in his words that if he wanted to do something, come to the Xia Kingdom. This was the hope for China's rejuvenation.
Starting from Dezhou, Sun Chengzong went to Linqing, Dongchang, and then to Jinan. He traveled with Liu Zongzhou, Lu Shanji, Sun Qifeng and others, and truly experienced the prosperity of Xia Kingdom.
Apart from anything else, when he saw that the most ordinary people in Xia State could often eat fish, he was finally completely impressed.
Originally, he wanted to visit the military camp, but because Zuo Mengeng was not there, no one dared to let him go, which made him quite regretful.
It happened that at this time I heard that Zuo Menggeng had returned from North Korea and was in Qingdao, and that a new ship was about to be launched. Everyone in Jinan set off one after another, and Sun Chengzong followed.
"Mr. Ge, you are getting old. You have worked hard for the country and the people all your life, and it's time to take care of yourself."
Facing Sun Chengzong, Zuo Mengeng could only admire him.
When he thought of the Qing army's invasion of Gaoyang next year and the heroic death of Sun Chengzong's family, he couldn't help but persuade him.
“How can people feel at ease when the national situation is like this?”
Sun Chengzong did not change his true character, but he did not question why Zuo Menggeng and others could not serve the Ming Dynasty.
Along the way, it seems that I have clearly felt the difference between Ming and Xia. Bringing this up again at this time will not only annoy people, but also make me feel guilty.
It is said that the Ming Dynasty represents orthodoxy and should be what all people want.
But under the rule of the Ming Dynasty, people were displaced and their families were destroyed. Can it really be regarded as orthodox?
Even he, the most staunch defender of the Ming Dynasty, now has self-doubt.
Looking at the majestic and spectacular battleships in front of him, Sun Chengzong could not help but feel excited.
"It is said that Western warships are like this. Can we build them here too?"
Zuo Menggeng was extremely proud of the newly born Linqing number.
"That's right. You see there are more than ten ships under construction in the dock over there. In the near future, our warships will cover the sea. Westerners can travel thousands of miles to come to China, and so can we
You can break through the waves, go to the places where Westerners live, and take a look."
Sun Chengzong raised his eyes and looked at the extremely busy dock on the other side of the bay, but his heart was conquered by Zuo Mengeng's heroic ambition.
Compare Chongzhen and Zuo Mengeng, two equally young leaders.
One is careless and power-hungry, while the other is passionate and aggressive.
It is clear at a glance who is better and who is worse.
"Your Highness, I wonder if I can board the ship and have a look?"
Zuo Mengeng said hurriedly: "I received a lot of teachings from Mr. Ge. Once I am a teacher, I will be a father for life. The word Mr. Ge calls me is, in front of you, how can a junior dare to be arrogant?"
Sun Chengzong was shocked.
Today, Zuo Menggeng has become the overlord of his country and the hero of the world. He has many ministers and generals under his command. Moreover, he has already been given an honorary title, so calling him by this name is somewhat disrespectful.
Seeing this, Liu Zongzhou advised from the side: "Our Xia Kingdom is quite different from the Ming Dynasty in terms of etiquette. Although Zhongheng is the master, he is also a relative and a friend to us. We also refer to each other by names in private."
"
In the eyes of Liu Zongzhou, Hou Xun and others, Zuo Menggeng has always been a junior, so as long as it is not a formal occasion, they still call him by his name.
Zuo Mengeng readily accepted this.
He doesn't want to be a loner, that would be too boring.
Seeing Zuo Menggeng's sincere smile, Sun Chengzong was completely impressed.
"There are many powerful and outstanding people in the world, but Heng'er is the only one who stands out."
As soon as this statement came out, everyone laughed and the scene became more cordial.
Zuo Mengeng said: "Today the Linqing is about to be launched into the water, and Mr. Ge is here to coincide with the occasion. How about boarding the ship with the younger generation and taking a dip in the sea?"
Sun Chengzong was cheerful and said with a smile: "I have my wish, but I don't dare to invite you."
Zuo Mengeng nodded to Fu Yusun.
Fu Yusun stepped forward and shouted loudly: "The auspicious time has come, open the gate and release the water!"
Here at the pier, everyone is waiting for this moment.
After receiving the order, more than 20 workers at the gate shouted neat chants and began to push the winch at the same time.
The chains as thick as arms began to tighten, pulling the gates to slowly rise toward both sides.
As long as the surging seawater seizes a small gap, it immediately rushes into the dock. Soon, the Linqing was dragged by the seawater and slowly rose, rippling with the waves.
Zuo Mengeng turned around and saluted Shang Kexi and the three hundred officers and soldiers.
"Everyone, from today onwards, the Linqing will be handed over to you. You will carry out the important tasks of promoting the military might of our Xia Kingdom and protecting our borders in China. I hope you will work together and keep this in mind."
Shang Kexi and three hundred officers and soldiers raised their hands in return and solemnly swore an oath.
"We will use our lives and loyalty to protect the safety of China. Since we are the Great Wall on the sea, we will not allow any foreign enemies to invade China's territory."
This oath was so powerful that the wind and clouds changed color.
After the handover ceremony was completed, Zuo Mengeng ordered: "All officers and soldiers of the Linqing board the ship and prepare to sail."
Sun Chengzong watched helplessly as more than 300 people lined up in a neat queue, boarded the Linqing, and began to take over various positions.