Chapter 781 Only those who dare to fight can stop the war!
Time flies, and more than half a month has passed before I know it. On the broad official road in front of Guangzhou Fucheng, smoke and dust are everywhere, and the sound of horse hooves is chaotic.
Teams of Tiqiu galloped on the official road, gradually approaching the city gate. The soldiers guarding the north city gate tower with swords held on to the crenel, looking at the figure of the Red Lingqiu Tiqiu, their expressions suddenly changed, and their expressions quickly changed.
Go to the city gate tower and report to the Guangdong Governor's Yamen and the Magistrate's Yamen in the city.
Because Jia Heng was the first to write a letter to the relevant yamen in Guangzhou, the officials in the city were planning their schedule in the past two days, and specifically told the captain guarding the city gate tower to pay attention to the movements in the north.
"Xilulu~~"
Accompanied by the sound of the horses slowing down, Jia Heng tightened the reins of the military horse and looked at the local people in Guangzhou Prefecture who were coming and going, wearing commoners and pushing wheelbarrows. The official road at this time was still a dirt road. When the sky was clear, dust was everywhere, and his vision was gray.
Yes, but as far as the eye can see are green fields, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.
During this era, parts of Guangdong had been developed, but Guangxi, which also belonged to Lingnan, was still desolate and remote. Many places were uninhabited within ten miles, so it was often used as a place of exile for prisoners.
The tall and majestic city is protected by the wind and rain, and the banners and stones are written in regular script with Guangzhou Prefecture. It is half noon, and people from Guangzhou Prefecture are walking towards the city in small groups pushing wheelbarrows. Occasionally, some red-haired people can be seen.
, the blue-eyed foreigner rode a carriage loaded with goods toward the city.
"There are many foreign businessmen hanging around in Guangzhou." Chen Xiao saw Jia Heng casting his eyes on the Hongyi people, curiosity appeared on his face, his eyes flickered, and he said softly.
Jia Heng turned to look at the girl aside and asked, "Have Xiaoxiao been here before?"
That day in Jinling Fucheng, Xiaoxiao's cooking was praised by the generals.
"Well, I came here once a few years ago." Chen Xiaoyu paused slightly and said in a clear voice.
"Captain." Li Shu, a hundred households in brocade clothes, stepped forward with the reins in hand and said in a deep voice: "Does the governor go to Guangzhou Qianhu Station? Or is he going to stay at the post house?"
"Go to Qianhusuo." Jia Heng thought for a while and said.
After all, it is Jinyi Mansion's own yamen, so it is more convenient to live there.
This time he went south with only two hundred cavalry, but no other cavalry.
Accompanied by the large group of Tiqi behind them, they rolled into Guangzhou City and entered an inconspicuous government office in the south of the city. Qianhu Jiao Ke led Deputy Qianhu and Baihu of the Qianhu Office of Jinyi Mansion and other Jinyi generals to start.
Went to the middle gate to welcome Jia Heng into the official office of Jinyi Mansion.
As soon as I stepped onto the eaves of the corridor, there was a burst of shouting in the street, and I saw a sedan, and the guards holding swords at their waists came to the front. The sedan dropped down on the bluestone road, and out of it walked out a man wearing a black veil on his head.
Officials in scarlet robes.
As soon as he saw Jia Heng, Shi Shuliang, the prefect of Guangzhou, suddenly had a smile on his face. He led several staff and scribes and came quickly. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, then held his hands and said, "Shi Shuliang, the prefect of Guangzhou.
I’ve met Uncle Yongning.”
Jia Heng looked at Shi Shuliang and asked, "Prefect Shi, why don't you see Zhou Futai?"
In the history of the Chen and Han Dynasties, during the Taizong period in Guangdong, due to the coastal suppression of the remaining Ming forces, a governor of Guangdong and Guangdong was established, but he was soon removed.
At the moment, the highest civil servant in Guangdong is the right deputy censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the governor of Guangdong, Zhou Zao, who is stationed in Guangzhou City, sets up an office, supervises the officials of the three departments of Guangdong Bujingdu, and also manages the food and salary.
In addition to the Guangdong Dusi, there was also the Guangdong General who commanded the navy. The Wu family of the Guangdong General Wu Tao had a close relationship with the Jia family and had received favors from Duke Rong Guo in his early years.
In the original Dream of Red Mansions, the Wu family gave the Jia family a precious glass screen, which shows that the two families are family friends.
In addition, one of the chief secretaries of Guangdong, Liu Xiaoyuan, was a good friend of Lin Ruhai, and Jia Heng was carrying a letter from Lin Ruhai to Liu Xiaoyuan.
Shi Shuliang smiled and said: "Uncle Yongning, please forgive me, Mr. Zhongcheng has gone to Lianzhou for business these two days."
When Jia Heng heard this, he asked in surprise: "What a coincidence?"
He felt that Zhou Zao, the governor of Guangdong, seemed to be hiding away on purpose.
"Your Majesty has sent someone to inform the lords of the feudal clan. Uncle Yongning, please be patient." Shi Shuliang did not dare to answer, but said softly.
Jia Heng nodded, smiled and said: "Shifu Terrace, this is not the place to talk. How about we go to the Yamen to have a cup of tea first and then talk slowly?"
In Guangdong in October, the weather was still a bit hot and unbearable. The governor of Guangzhou Prefecture had beads of sweat the size of soybeans on his forehead and temples. Jia Heng stood there for a while and his body was also sweltering.
"Uncle Yongning, please." Shi Shuliang extended his hand to invite.
While talking, Jia Heng, surrounded by a group of Jinyi Tiqi, walked into the Guangzhou Qianhu Residence of Jinyi Mansion, and the two parties took their seats respectively.
Jia Heng picked up the tea cup, took a sip, looked at Shi Shuliang with cold eyes, and asked: "Shi Futai must have read the official document. The purpose of my visit this time is to inspect the defense of the Guangdong Sea, and to specialize in Hao Hao."
Mirror lease, the court is very concerned about this matter."
Shi Shuliang smiled and seemed a little cautious in front of Jia Heng, an important military minister, and said: "Uncle Yong Ning, what does the unknown court think of the Haojing lease?"
Jia Heng put down the tea cup and said: "Since the Taizong Dynasty, Hongyi has been occupying Haojing for decades in the name of leasing business. It has been fifteen years since the last lease. There should be an explanation whether it is continued or discontinued, but Hongyi
I will also listen to the opinions of local officials in Guangzhou as to whether the barbarians are at peace in Haojing."
Shi Shuliang heard the words, considered his words, and said: "Uncle Yongning, I think that if the court wants to take back Hao Jing, it is still necessary to be cautious. The Hongyi people in the land of Hao Jing have used boats and navy to traverse the sea. In recent years, they have also
Many barbarians came from the country to live here. On the other hand, the population of our Han people has been greatly reduced, and the land of Haojing is like a country within a country."
Jia Heng asked: "Have Guangdong mentioned the lease to Hongyi in recent years? Or have they recovered Haojing and expelled Hongyi?"
When Shi Shuliang heard this, his face showed bitterness, and he said: "The Hongyi have been entrenched in the relevant area for decades. If the imperial court wants to regain it, it is afraid of having to fight a war. This matter..."
I originally wanted to say that this matter was a big one and needed to be discussed by all the important ministers in the court, but suddenly I suddenly realized that the person in front of me was the military commander of the court.
"I wonder what the court's opinion is on this matter?" Shi Shuliang asked boldly.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "The imperial court is also studying Haojing Hongyi's attitude towards my big man and the need to renew the contract, but it must also be expected that if the contract cannot be renewed, with the combat power of Guangzhou's navy, once the imperial court and
There is a conflict between the Hongyi officials in Haojing. Can the Guangdong Navy win this water war?"
Only by daring to fight can the war be stopped.
When Shi Shuliang heard this, his heart skipped a beat, and the sweat from his forehead flowed along his cheeks. He quickly took a handkerchief and wanted to wipe it but didn't dare to wipe it. He hesitated and said: "This is a serious matter. I am not familiar with delicate matters. Is Yong Ning Bo and Zhou
Your Excellency, Commander Wu and General Wu will discuss this matter together? I really don’t dare to speak nonsense.”
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "It won't be too late to discuss this matter again when the governor of Guangdong and the generals of Guangdong arrive."
After thinking about it, he looked at Jiao Ke, a member of Qianhusuo in Jinyi Qianhusuo, who was standing aside. He was a middle-aged man with a burly figure and an imperial face. He was standing not far away, holding a knife, and said: "Send Guangdong Prefecture to guard Zhouchuan."
, the details of the navy soldiers and soldiers have been compiled into a book, I will check it personally later."
Jiao Ke quickly clasped his fists and said, "Yes, Governor."
Shi Shuliang was slightly shocked as he listened to the conversation between the two.
While several people were talking, a guard in Jinyi strode out of the courtyard and said: "The governor, the chief envoy of the vassal Yamen, Mr. Miao, Mr. Liu who participated in the political affairs, Mr. Lu from the Zhensi Yamen, the commander-in-chief of Guangdong.
Mr. Fang, come here and ask to see the Governor."
If Jia Heng was only the Commander-in-Chief of Imperial Guards, or just ordinary martial arts, these civil servants would obviously not come in groups. However, this is a military minister with the title of Crown Prince and Taibao, and he has a decisive role even in the civil service hierarchy.
status.
Not to mention, he is also a close minister beside the emperor.
After a while, Miao Rui, the Chief Minister of Guangdong, Liu Xiaoyuan, who participated in the political affairs, Lu Xian, the Inspector-General, and Fang Jun, the commander-in-chief, and four officials in scarlet robes came to the courtyard. When they saw the young man in python clothes standing under the eaves of the corridor, they walked a few steps quickly and held their hands in greeting.
Said: "The lower official has met Uncle Yongning."
Jia Heng returned the salute with his hands raised, and called out: "My lords, you have come just in time. Come into the official hall to talk."
A group of officials exchanged pleasantries with Jia Heng and sat down one after another. Everyone looked at the young man in the python suit.
Jia Heng said: "My lords, my purpose of coming has just been explained to Lord Shi. In addition to patrolling the coastal defense, I also want to go to Haojing on business. All of you are local officials in Guangzhou and know the situation in Haojing very well.
In the past few days, I hope to actively make suggestions. If it is helpful to the imperial court's plans, I will definitely inform the emperor and ask for your commendation."
"I don't dare, I don't dare." A group of Guangdong officials said politely, their hearts moving slightly.
At this time, Shi Shuliang smiled and said: "My lords, it's getting late, it's almost noon, why don't we have lunch together before talking about anything else?"
Among the officials, the prefect of Guangzhou has the lowest rank, and he is free to take charge of the reception of Jia Heng.
After saying that, he looked at Jia Heng and invited him with a smile: "Uncle Yong Ning, I have hosted a small banquet at Shuiyunxuan, the largest restaurant in the city, and I would like to invite you all to come and have a chat."
While everyone was talking, they headed to Shuiyunxuan Restaurant.
On the second floor, in the private room, we have three rounds of wine and five tastes of food.
At this time, Miao Rui, the chief envoy of Guangdong, put down his wine cup and asked: "Uncle Yong Ning, please forgive me for my stupidity. Now Governor Hongyi of Haojing has written to the Guangzhou Yamen, requesting the renewal of the lease during Taizong's reign. I don't know how to negotiate."
I've been here several times, but the military and military aircraft of the imperial court and government offices have failed to respond. I don't know what the purpose of the capital is?"
Jia Heng said: "The ministers in Beijing are still discussing this matter, and I am here to investigate this matter under the emperor's order."
As he said that, he looked at the Commander-in-Chief Fang Jun who was not far away. He was a gray-haired veteran who was over fifty years old. After drinking two glasses of wine, his beard and hair were spread out. His face was flushed, and he was obviously a little bit embarrassed.
"Commander Fangdu, Hongyi is now in Haojing. How many troops do he have and how many ships do he have?" Jia Heng asked in a deep voice.
Fang Jun looked solemn and said in a low voice: "The Hongyi Navy has about two thousand people. There are not many ships, but most of them are sea-going ships, and the firearms are far superior to those of our Guangdong Navy."
Jia Heng said: "The people of Hongyi came from afar, and their firearms are more powerful than my navy?"
Fang Jun's heart moved slightly, and he asked tentatively: "Sir, is the imperial court going to start a war with those red barbarians?"
Jia Heng mused: "The war is not a trivial matter, but the Guangdong side has to be prepared in the face of the overwhelming force of the red barbarians. Recently, the Donglu went south, intending to contact the pirates and harass our Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang prefectures and counties. Guangdong
You should be on guard."
With that said, he looked at Guangdong Commander Fang Jun and asked: "Commander Fang, Guangdong's navy and infantry should intensify their training."
Fang Jun said: "I obey the order, but the Navy's training is always in charge of the Guangdong General."
Jia Heng asked: "I will ask General Wu. Why is General Wu not in the city?"
"General Wu went to the Guangdong Navy to supervise the training." Fang Jun's eyes flashed and he whispered.
Perhaps the arrival of Jia Heng, the military minister who was famous for his ability to organize the army, made Wu Tao, the Guangdong general in charge of the navy, feel a little uneasy, so he went to the navy camp in the past few days.
Seeing this, Jia Heng secretly remembered what to do next time and said no more.
During the dinner, I glanced at Liu Xiaoyuan, a political participant in Guangdong who had an elegant face and a silent smile, but he did not immediately take out Lin Ruhai's letter.
After Jia Heng had lunch in the company of Guangzhou officials, he came to rest in a mansion prepared by Jiao Ke of Jinyi Qianhu in Guangzhou. Chen Xiao sat aside, holding a purple clay pot, pouring a cup of tea and drinking it gently.
.
Jia Heng sat down, picked up the book that recorded the resumes and social relationships of Guangdong officials delivered by Guangzhou Qianhu, flipped through it, and asked: "Xiaoxiao, let them prepare some hot water, and you can take a bath later.
It looked very dusty along the way."
At this moment, Chen Xiao was holding a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his cheeks and temples, and said in a clear voice: "It seems that the local officials in Guangzhou do not welcome you."
Jia Heng put down the book in his hand and said: "No one wants to have multiple mothers-in-law on their head."
"You just announced the war in front of the Guangzhou magistrate. Was it for the Hongyi people?" Chen Xiao lowered his voice, handed Jia Heng a glass of water, and asked.
Jia Heng took the tea cup, raised his eyes to look at the girl, smiled and said: "Xiaoxiao is becoming more and more intelligent now. She can go to the hall and the kitchen, and she is a good wife."
The girl can now not only act as a confidential secretary, but also cook and make suggestions by his side.
When Chen Xiao heard this, his clear eyes under his willow eyebrows narrowed, and the words "hall" and "kitchen" went back and forth in his mind. A hint of ridicule appeared at the corner of his mouth: "I won't sew autumn clothes for you."
Jia Heng: "..."
Peeping in the dark, eavesdropping, and then coming over to choke him at every turn.
One day he will have to choke back.
Jia Heng said, and said in deep thought: "When I came to Guangzhou, the officials in Guangzhou were worried about the earthquake in the officialdom and paid close attention all the way. I think there were also red barbarians watching when I came to Guangzhou. Once my words at the table were spread, the red barbarians would take care of themselves.
If you have any doubts, when the Guangdong Navy is training its troops in a big way to prepare for war, the Hongyi side will send envoys to Guangzhou City to negotiate."
Previously, he sent officials from the Jinyi Mansion and the Ordnance Supervision to Haojing for inspection. When the purpose of their visit was leaked, he actually let Hongyi from Haojing take the initiative.
"The Guangdong Navy Division has been out of battle formations for a long time and is incompetent. It may not be able to defeat the Red Barbarians. Naturally, these Red Barbarians know this." Chen Xiao reminded with a solemn expression.
Jia Heng said: "No matter how weak the Guangdong navy's combat power is, Hongyi is in our country and relies on our country for military supplies. If we can't attack across the sea, we can only be forced to the negotiation table."
Thinking of the Yuehai Navy, I couldn't help but think of the Yuehai General Wu Tao. If I didn't come to greet him at this time, why would I go to the water village?
When Jia Heng mentioned this, he frowned and said, "This General of Guangdong went to the navy camp and the governor of Guangdong. It seems that the two of them have made an appointment."
At this moment, a guard in Jinyi came from outside the corridor eaves, clasped his fists and said: "Captain, General Wu Tao of Guangdong Province, go to the flower hall to meet you."
Jia Heng's expression paused slightly and he looked at Chen Xiao.
This Wu Tao, what kind of medicine is sold in the gourd?
Jia Heng and Chen Xiao came to the front hall and happened to see a middle-aged military officer in his thirties, with a rich body and a fair complexion, sitting on a nanmu chair and sipping fragrant tea.
"I have met Uncle Yongning in my humble position." Hearing the sound of footsteps, Wu Tao suddenly jumped up from his chair as if there were springs under his butt, bowed his hands towards Jia Heng, and said respectfully.
Jia Heng stretched out his hand to support him and said: "General Wu, no need to be polite, please sit down."
Wu Tao put a warm smile on his chubby face and said: "When I came back from the naval camp, I was very happy to hear that Uncle Yong Ning came to Guangzhou. I wonder how the old lady is doing in Beijing?"
"I just arrived." Jia Heng nodded and said, "The old lady has always been in good health."
The two of them exchanged pleasantries and got down to business.
Jia Heng put down the tea cup in his hand and asked: "General Wu has been to the navy camp to inspect the ships and soldiers in the past few days. What is the unknown situation?"
Wu Tao hesitated for a moment, and finally chose to tell the truth, saying: "There are currently twenty-six lucky ships, eighty-one warships with four hundred materials, ninety-eight patrol ships with four hundred materials, and sailors and infantry.
Around thirty-five thousand."
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then pondered: "According to the regulations of the Fifth Army Commander's Office, the Guangdong Navy should have 48 blessing ships, 132 warships with 400 materials, and 153 patrol ships with 400 materials.
Ships, 50,000 naval troops, today’s warships and troops..."
Wu Tao quickly said: "That was the situation in the fifteenth year of Longzhi. Thirty years later, the boat navy has long lost its old outlook. In addition, the money allocated from the Guangdong Dusi is only 600,000 taels per year, and these
In addition to the money needed to pay the soldiers, there was not much money left to repair the warships. In the past, when the Guangzhou Ship Lifting Department was still there, the Ministry of Revenue could still allocate some at the request of the Guangdong Dusi, but now during the maritime ban, Zhang Shichi
, the Shibo Tiju Department has also been abandoned."
Jia Heng looked calm, thinking about what Wu Tao said.
His reorganization of the camp in the south of the Yangtze River and in the north of the Yangtze River probably reached the ears of General Wu Tao of Guangdong Province, so the purpose of hurriedly heading to the navy camp was self-evident, and he hurriedly packed up his affairs.
However, this trip to the Guangdong Sea was not to rectify the Guangdong Navy, but to negotiate with the Portuguese in order to obtain firearms and artillery-related manufacturing techniques.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and asked: "I don't pay attention to these past events. How many battle-worthy warships and sailors can the Guangdong Navy deploy now?"
This is what he really cares about.
Wu Tao, the general of Guangdong Province, heard this, his heart moved slightly, and he said in a deep voice: "Uncle Yong Ning, there are 12,000 naval troops, 65 warships, and 53 patrol ships that can go out now, and they are ready to go at any time.
"
Jia Heng frowned and said thoughtfully: "Why are there so few?"
Looking at the young man with an unhappy look on his face, Wu Tao felt uneasy.
It can be said that after the reorganization of the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, officials in the Guangdong Dusi and Navy systems were all in a state of silence about the upcoming military affairs reorganization.
Wu Tao said: "I dare not deceive Uncle Yongning. There are only so many people now. However, if we need sailors, we can recruit them from the fishermen. As long as the cannons and muskets are ready, the infantry can still board the ships and fight."
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, with a serious look on his face, and said: "General Wu, tomorrow I will go to the Navy camp to inspect the relevant Navy soldiers."
Wu Tao's heart skipped a beat and he quickly responded in a low voice. He looked at the frosty-faced young man and asked tentatively: "Uncle Yong Ning, is the imperial court going to take back Hao Jing?"
Jia Heng said: "This matter has not been determined yet, but the navy is preparing for war and coordinating Hao Jing. It can be considered a precautionary measure."
Wu Tao quickly said: "That's natural."
But with the combat power of the Guangdong Navy, a battle with Hongyi will definitely be a tough battle.
Jia Heng chatted with Wu Tao for a while and asked about the situation of the Guangdong Navy.
After Wu Tao left, Jia Heng put down the tea cup in his hand, looked at Chen Xiao aside, and said: "The navy of Guangdong Navy is not optimistic either."
Even if they were negotiating with the Portuguese governor of Haojing, Bugalu, the navy on the Guangdong Sea side had to maintain a certain level of threat in order to force the Portuguese to compromise.
Chen Xiaodao: "From the frontier army to the Beijing camp, and then to the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, you can get a glimpse of the whole picture. Because of the sailing, the navy on the Guangdong Sea will not be as vulnerable as the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, but they want to wipe out the Red Army.