Chapter 502 501 Several Directions
Zhang Lian did not 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. , understand the situation and make arrangements for going to Nanyang.
The large group of people are temporarily staying on Dongfan Island. On the one hand, they need to collect the supplies needed for navigation. On the other hand, they also want to familiarize their subordinates with navigation. Especially this time, many people came out from Fujian to Dongfan Island. During the short journey, I 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.
This time they escaped in a hurry, and their ships were not enough. Collecting more ships can 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 a lucky ship from a certain 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.
The fleet of more than 2,000 people cannot run around casually. If they get lost on the sea, only disaster awaits them. Fresh water alone is enough to kill them.
Every time you go to sea, the fleet must have a clear destination. Follow the chart to find it. After arriving at the location, you must collect supplies and put them on the ship. Only by going 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 the 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 there is no clear goal, Zhang Lian still knows one thing, which is to stay as far away from the Ming court as possible.
Zhang Lian has made a choice. He does not plan to show up in the Ming Dynasty again in the short term. He is worried about attracting the Ming army to encircle and suppress him. However, there are still many people in the Ming Dynasty who care about him and do not know. ah.
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 went to sea by boat, 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, quickly flipping through the official documents, footsteps sounded outside the lobby, and an old man in scribe's uniform walked quickly.
"Mr. Jia is here, please take a seat quickly, come and serve tea."
Mr. Jia is a Shaoxing master hired by Zhang Zhen with a huge sum of money. He is not only proficient in criminal names, money grains, documents, etc. Regarding affairs, I followed my boss to the border town and saw the battlefield, which can be regarded as 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." He didn't mean to sit down, but walked to the desk in a few steps, took out an official document from his sleeve and handed it to him.
“Fuzhou?”
Hearing this, Zhang Zhen’s eyelids twitched slightly.
After taking over Fujian, I found that the place is now in 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 Nian said.
"My boss, I don't think so."
At this time, Jia Lao stood in front of the bookcase and analyzed: "Before, General Liu Xian led his troops to eliminate Japanese pirates along the coast of Guangdong, and he once reported the Japanese pirates to avoid fight, return to sea , he pursued the enemy all the way to the vicinity of Chaozhou Prefecture, and watched the Japanese pirates continue to move northward.
There were also large groups of Japanese pirates near Quanzhou, so they must be the Guangdong Japanese pirates. "
"You mean, the Japanese pirates want to loot Quanzhou Prefecture?"
Zhang Zhen frowned when he heard this, then shook his head and said: "Although Quanzhou Prefecture is rich, this plague is not completely over yet. Even if the Japanese pirates eat bears, Even if you are brave, you may not dare to go.”< br>
People at this time, as long as they 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 with advanced medicine, The future generations are also difficult to control.
"I'm talking about Xinghua Prefecture between Fuzhou Prefecture and Quanzhou Prefecture."
At this time, Jia Lao shook his head and said.
"Xinghua Prefecture?"
Zhang Zhen said with some disbelief, "Japanese pirates have invaded Xinghua Prefecture many times and were defeated by the army. They still dare to attack Xinghua Prefecture?"
"Fujian Japanese pirates" Going 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 advance. Judging from their marching route, Xinghua Prefecture is the most likely target, and that place is very rich. "
For Mr. Jia calmly analyzed Zhang Zhen's question, "My guess is that it is very likely that the Japanese pirates in Guangdong and Fuzhou were attracted by the Japanese pirates entrenched around Xinghua Prefecture."
Actually, In today's 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.
"Don't 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, and there are many talented people. It is known as "a country famous for its literature".
Xinghua Prefecture is located to the south of Fuzhou Prefecture, the provincial capital, and to the north of Quanzhou Prefecture, so its language, culture and architecture are a good integration and synthesis of the characteristics of eastern Fujian and southern Fujian.
Xinghua Prefecture governs Xianyou and Putian counties. The original Xinghua County was abolished in the 13th year of Zhengtong, and the maps were merged into Putian and Xian counties.
Currently, 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.
More than a thousand Japanese pirates were killed in this battle. For more than a hundred years, the Japanese pirates did not dare to reach Xinghua Prefecture.
Until recent years, when the Japanese pirates invaded Zhejiang and Fujian again, 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 first priority. Xinghua Mansion is empty at this time, and I am worried that something will change because of this."
Mr. Jia stared at him. Governor Zhang Zhen said word by word: "Since the Japanese pirates have been 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 felt a little unconvinced.
“The Japanese pirates have gathered so many accomplices, and their plans are not small, otherwise they would never be like this.”
Mr. Jia just replied.
I just took over Fujian. Although the place was in a mess due to the earthquake, I can't lose a city in my hands, otherwise the court will blame it and it will be unkind.
Thinking of this, 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 immediately, ordering Liu Xian to lead his army northward and go to Xinghua Prefecture to take charge."
At this time, the first thing Zhang Zhen thought of was Liu Xian , he led the officers and soldiers to fight against the Japanese pirates in Guangdong and won brilliantly.
"Okay."
Mr. Jia 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, Mr. Jia suggested again while he was reviewing it: "At present, Yu Dayou, the deputy commander-in-chief of Southern Gansu Province, has not yet decided to leave the army. If you want to take control, you can order him to lead the soldiers and horses of Nangan to go together."
"This"
Zhang Zhen hesitated. Strictly speaking, the danger of Xinghua Mansion is just a guess.
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.
For Liu Xian's side, luckily, the Guangdong army led by Liu Xian was dispersed to the coastal counties and cities due to the need to prevent Japanese pirates along the coast. Liu Xian himself did not actually have many troops with him, only a thousand A man can still sustain himself by eating horse chews, 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 what you eat is the money and food of the court, after all, you have to take it out of your own hands.
If you can't get it out, soldiers these days will dare to make trouble with you.
So, 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.
"Let's transfer Liu Xian first, and Yu Dayou will hold his troops for the time being."
Zhang Zhen still made what he thought was the safest decision, but little did he know that because of this decision, the Ming Dynasty suppressed itself The most tragic murder since Japan was doomed.
Beijing City, in the cabinet, the ministry 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 appoint 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. The name was to help him accumulate military merits, but the real purpose was of course to hope that he would stay away from King Yu.
Disciple Zhang Juzheng has received 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 acceptable.
He 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.
Others naturally had no objections to Xu Jie's summary, and they all nodded with a smile.
Although the Japanese invasion has become weaker now, it is still the main trouble for the imperial court. No one knows whether this job is easy to handle. The peach fell off before it was picked, so the Ministry of War and the Metropolitan Procuratorate sent someone. , it’s quite suitable, so I won’t object to it.
Zhao Bingran was recommended by Pan En. He was obviously from Xu Jie, and 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 keep his posture straight and be informed of all the major and minor matters in the court. It would be great if King Yu could feel what he meant.
"Your Majesty, you have dismissed the governor of Zhejiang and reinstated the governor of Zhejiang?"
Zhang Juzheng looked at the note in his hand with some surprise. Previously, Prince Yu's palace had speculated on 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 patrol Zhejiang, both of them would be suitable.
As a second-grade governor, Wei Guangde was very jealous, but he had no chance at all, because his official position was too low.
"Ah."
The King Yu who was seated stretched himself out and stood up and said: 'Since it has been decided, we don't need to think about it anymore, just let it be, I'm lonely. Just go back and rest first. ’
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 leave, and the palace had received his letter asking about the arrangements for him.
However, the three of them discussed for a long time, but they 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 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 to half a rank except for serving. He is a fifth-rank official, but the court is already full of carrots, and it seems that there is no place to hide people.
Think 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.
There is just no suitable official position, so the only way to reward Chen for his hard work is to participate in the ceremony. During this period, he can wait for the official position to be vacant and accumulate 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.
(End of this chapter)