The Prosperous Era of Longwan

The bright moon hangs high in the sky, lighting up the lake.

Zhang Hongfu, Wu Dong and others crowded in the bow of the boat, eating fresh seafood and drinking wine, and lived a happy life.

"I've been out for two days. Let's go back tomorrow morning."

At this time, Wei Wen spoke.

Today I bumped into Yu Dayou while hiking up the mountain. He had received the news that the Japanese pirates had committed suicide, so he went over to inspect the Japanese pirates' heads.

After the misunderstanding was resolved, the two groups parted ways.

Wu Dong and the others were still searching the area under the banner to be on guard against any stray Japanese pirates escaping.

"Yes, I guess the order to go back will be issued soon. It will probably be close to October when I return to Jiujiang, and it will be soon for Guangde to go to Beijing to take the exam."

Wu Dong nodded and said.

"Okay, go back."

Zhang Hongfu took a sip of wine and said with a smile: "I didn't realize it. Guang De knew that the other party might be an official, so he just fired the blunderbuss without fear of others shooting you directly."

While several people were laughing and joking on the boat, a banquet was also being held in a large house in Zhongxi Town.

In the town, it was naturally impossible for a beautiful dancer to perform a dance to add to the fun. Wu Zhankui and Wei Meng, representatives of the Jiujiang Guards, were hosting a banquet for the prefect of Changzhou and the Zhejiang commander and general Yu Dayou who came to investigate.

The Changzhou magistrate arrived the day before. After Yu Dayou arrived this afternoon, he immediately inspected the Japanese pirate's body and confirmed that it was correct. Their errand was considered completed and they could hand over the report to the superiors.

Therefore, they signed and stamped the inspection document on the spot, and then asked Wu Zhankui to arrange for the soldiers to cut off the head, wrap it in lime and send it to the Nanjing War Department to dispose of the body as soon as possible.

At this time, if it is left for another two days, it will really stink.

The prefect of Changzhou simply ate a few bites of the food, drank two glasses of wine, and left the table feeling too drunk. At this time, only Wu Zhankui, Wei Meng, and Yu Dayou were left at the dinner table.

"Your son is very courageous. He would shoot in front of me."

Yu Dayou said to Wei Meng.

The three of them had met before in Zhejiang and had drinks twice.

The reason why Yu Dayou came to them for a drink was because he heard that these two soldiers had fought against Japanese pirates head-on. As a newbie, he naturally needed some generals who could fight, so he took the initiative to contact them.

Of course, he was disappointed.

The two of them were used to enjoying life in the interior, and neither wanted to stay in Zhejiang to fight against the Japanese.

However, after drinking twice, the three of them were somewhat familiar. Otherwise Wu Zhankui would not have known that Yu Dayou's family was a hereditary family and that he was a scholar or a martial arts scholar.

"From what you said, the one who fired the gun should be Guangde. He likes firearms very much, but I didn't realize he was so courageous."

Wu Zhankui answered with a smile.

"They were very angry. When I saw them carrying blunderbuss, I asked out of curiosity and got angry at me."

Yu Dayou said with a smile.

Wei Meng picked up the wine glass on the table and said with a smile: "Bring the dog to make amends. Don't get angry with the child, just do it."

The three drank all the wine, and the sergeant next to them immediately came up and filled up three more glasses.

"Don't look at my nephew who is young. He is only sixteen years old. He is a master of the people. If you really want to have a conflict, if it gets bigger, you will be in trouble."

At this moment, Wu Zhankui spoke again.

"Lift people?"

Yu Dayou looked like you were teasing me, "In the northern guard post there are some candidates, including Jinshi. In the southern guard post, please forgive me for being ignorant and rare."

"Why did I lie to you? Didn't you tell me that you failed the provincial examination twice, but my nephew passed the examination after two attempts? In November, they and the others of the same year will leave for Beijing to take the examination."

"I know, you are showing off. When I was admitted as a scholar, your family only had children."

Yu Dayou pouted, "But it's really powerful, but the edges are a bit sharp and need to be sharpened."

"Indeed, Guangde's merit examination went very well."

Wei Meng nodded, and he also noticed that today's matter would not lead to such a trouble at all.

But he didn't know that Wei Guangde initially approached Yu Dayou to rob them, and he was a kind of official thief.

"It's okay. I have a friend in Beijing. I'll write a letter of divorce later and ask him to take more care of me."

Yu Dayou saw that Wei Meng was thoughtful, and knew that he was worried about the child, so he simply smiled and said, "By the way, you should have a better idea of ​​the fighting strength of that group of Japanese pirates if you fight directly."

"They are all at the end of their strength. How powerful do you think they are?"

Wu Zhankui chuckled and said, "Of course the military report cannot be reported truthfully. Everyone knows that, come on, have a drink."

On the second day, when the two ships docked, Zhang Hongfu, Wei Guangde and their party jumped off the ship and returned to Zhongxi Town. Only then did they realize that the Changzhou prefect and Zhejiang general who had come to examine the bodies of the Japanese pirates early this morning had already left.

The prefect of Changzhou would naturally not be willing to stay in the army for a long time, and Yu Dayou would naturally return to Jiaxing to continue commanding the encirclement and suppression of Tuolin Japanese pirates.

At this time, Zhang Shigui was discussing matters with his father Zhang Qing in the temporary camp of Jiujiang Guards in Wuhu.

"Zhan Kui wanted Wei Meng to serve as a member of the rear army. Why did you agree and send the news to the father-in-law?"

Because Zhang Qing's health was deteriorating day by day, Zhang Shigui came out this time uneasy and followed him.

"The seats are empty and someone has to take them."

Zhang Qing said with drooped eyelids.

"Now that my father-in-law has returned to the garrison position in Nanjing, it means that his status with the emperor has been restored, and he can definitely let me take the lead."

Before Zhang Shigui could finish his words, Zhang Qing's eyes suddenly opened and he was stared back at him, "When I turn around, I will resign and take over the post, and you will take over the vacancy of command."

Hearing his father's words, Zhang Shigui's eyes suddenly opened wide.

It is not a good time for the old man to retire at this time.

It was impossible for him to directly take command of his colleagues. As a rule, he could only assume the position of commanding his subordinates first.

Now all seven command positions of Jiujiang Guard are filled.

When the old man takes up his official position, one of his commanders will be freed up, and one of the other four officials must be able to take over.

"Now is an opportunity. Let Zhan Kui sit in the position of commanding colleague, which is better than giving it to someone else."

Zhang Qing glanced at his son and continued: "Now that Zhankui has military merit, he is in the right position.

Wei Meng wants to be promoted, and the position of Qianhu in the Houjun has just become vacant. Don't worry about your position, as long as you firmly grasp the relationship with the father-in-law, everything will still be in your hands. "

"I always feel something is wrong about Zheng Yixiang. Logically speaking, he shouldn't die like this."

After listening to the old man's words, Zhang Shigui knew that it was irreversible. The old man must have calculated it and it was best for his family. However, he still raised the doubts in his heart.

"Don't think about it. He's just a loser. He couldn't even win a battle with more than two hundred people, and he even lost his life."

Zhang Qing shook his head and didn't take Zheng Yixiang's death seriously at all. So what if there were problems, could he still try to overturn the verdict of a dead man?

Once dead, it has no value.

"But."

Zhang Shigui thought about his words and continued for a long time: "If Zhan Kui and Wei Meng are allowed to climb so fast, it will be difficult to control them in the future, and Zhan Kui's position will still be above mine."

"You, after following me for so long, you still don't understand the status of our military attache."

Zhang Qing glanced at his son and said, "When serving in a guard office, the most important thing is not the size of the official position, but the backing above.

There is another more important thing. Many people haven't figured it out yet. I feel that Wei Meng saw something, that is, don't move easily. Even if you want to move, you must have backup plans and be prepared. "

Zhang Shigui was full of questions at the moment. He understood what his father said in front of him, but he was confused behind it.

"Stop moving around."

Zhang Qing looked at Zhang Shigui and said calmly: "As long as you stay in the hospital and get promoted, you can inherit something.

When you have enough seniority and want to be promoted, it is easy to transfer people to the Nanjing Jingying through the relationship with the father-in-law. There are as many commanders there as dogs, and then you can smoothly ascend to the position.

The reason why I have always been in this position is not because you can only do a few things in your position, and you will definitely not be able to keep your position as a colleague.

Remember, don't seek promotion at any time, just stay in the guardhouse. Jiujiang is a good place. "

Zhang Shigui nodded, he understood what his father meant.

Regardless of whether it is Wu Zhankui or Wei Meng, if they are disobedient and dishonest, they will transfer people to the Nanjing camp. Even if they are promoted to half a level, it will still be a loss.

The Zhang family didn't go anywhere and stayed in Jiujiang Weili.

"What about Wu Dong and Wencai?"

Zhang Shigui thought about the backup left by the Wu and Wei families again. He was a little unsure. Can Qianhu and Baihu bother the father-in-law to take action?

"Stay. The two of them have a good relationship with Hongfu. The position will not be reserved for Hongfu in the future. He also needs help."

Zhang Qing glanced at Zhang Shigui and said, "We are all relatives after all. You can really do things well."

"No wonder they just wanted their son to take over the job and stay in their vacancy for their meritorious service last time. Even if they can't take over the job, they won't be promoted."

"Haha, you just understand."

Zhang Qing narrowed his eyes again, "The matter was done well this time. My father-in-law is very happy. Who would have thought that it was such a coincidence that just after the imperial edict was issued over there, Chen Hong and Eunuch Chen were still urging him to send troops to encircle and suppress the Japanese pirates. The battle here That's it. The victory report was sent to the father-in-law, hehe.

When the inspection documents are delivered, you will go to Nanjing City to meet the father-in-law, show your face, and take my resignation documents with you. This should be done at this time. "

A few days later, Zhongxi Town.

The Ming army, which had been stationed here for ten days, finally regrouped. After completing the handover procedures with the county government officials, more than 400 Jiujiang Guards were divided into three teams and returned the same way. This time their destination was Wuhu, with the Jiujiang Guards Brigade. Meet up and return to base.

The journey went smoothly. When passing through Liyang County, the Liyang County magistrate also organized the squires to bring a lot of wine and meat.

During this expedition, the soldiers at Qianhu Station of the Right Army were full of food. Never had such a good thing happened before, and being full was considered a gift from the superior officer.

After suffering a defeat and many people died, Qianhusuo, the rear army, was even more miserable. They were given the least food and wine, and they didn't dare to say anything. Their leaders all died in the hands of Japanese pirates. Now the commanders in this team are all He came from the Right Army, what can he say?

After passing Liyang, we still boarded the ship in Guangtong Town. We arrived in Wuhu without talking and met up with Commander Wei.

It was only when they were boarding the ship that Wei Zhenfu Wei Meng came over to see the situation of the rear army, scolded the person in charge of logistics, and then brought a lot of wine and meat, which made the soldiers of the rear army feel a lot towards Wei Zhenfu. Good impression.

Well, if you are a soldier these days, you will be a mother if you have breasts.

I heard from the soldiers at Bengshan Fort that serving as soldiers under Wei Baihu was the best among the surrounding guards. At least they had enough to eat, and the surrounding military families were willing to marry their daughters over.

As for the few soldiers around Zheng Yixiang, they failed to protect the chief officer Zhou Quan at the critical moment and were directly sentenced to death by Wei Zhenfu. No one discussed it anymore.

In early October, the Jiujiang Guard Fleet returned to Jiujiang Prefecture.

Just like a few years ago, this time the Jiujiang Guards went on an expedition and won another great victory. They directly wiped out all the Japanese pirates who were fleeing many prefectures in Zhejiang and South Zhili, which was a big hit.

When Wei Guangde and the others attended the Luming Banquet, Jiangxi's governors and chief envoys were still worried about the Japanese pirates who were just around the corner. They issued multiple documents to strictly order the prefectures and counties in the east to gather their soldiers for training in preparation for the Japanese invaders. .

It's better now. The Japanese pirates were all beheaded and their heads were hung on the city of Nanjing.

The reward money had already been obtained in Wuhu. According to the reward stipulated by the imperial court, the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs directly distributed it. Although it did not float as before, the military households were overjoyed to receive the money.

As for the reward, we can only wait.

After Zhang Shigui sent the survey documents and the heads of the Japanese pirates to Nanjing, Chen Hong and Chen Eunuch took the victory report and other memorials back to Beijing via the Grand Canal to deliver the message to Emperor Jiajing, and took away all the transcripts of the battle reports related to the battle. .

But what surprised Zhang Shigui was that at the Duke of Wei's mansion, Eunuch Chen pulled him over to learn more about the battle.

Although Zhang Shigui did not come to the front line in person, the letter sent by Wu Zhankui along with the victory report detailed the situation of the battle, especially Zhang Hongfu's cavalry attack on the Japanese pirates.

"Zhang Hongfu, your son is not bad. He is worthy of being a general. Wu Dong and Wei Wencai are also good. Why do you Jiujiang Guards go to war and take the younger one with you?"

Chen Hong knew that the last few people who rushed into the battle were all young generals from Jiujiang Guards. Wu Dong and Wei Wencai were all serving military attachés, Zhang Hongfu and Wei Guangde were not, and Bai Ding was the only one, so he could barely be counted as Yu Ding.

"Hongfu went to gain knowledge with his uncle, while Guangde wanted to see what the Japanese pirates were like. To be honest, my nephew Wei Guangde just passed the provincial examination this year and will go to Beijing with his classmates and friends next month. Participate in next year's examination.

If he is lucky enough to be on the list, he is also betting on whether the emperor will come up with the question and rely on the Japanese strategy. "

Zhang Shigui explained carefully.

"Oh, he is still a civil servant. Not bad, not bad. He is worthy of being from a garrison. Now he can hold a pen when he is dismounted, and he can fight when he is mounted."

Chen Hong was still smiling, and then he thought about it and said: "I think these military reports have written about the process of this battle, but they are not detailed. You go back tonight and write a report for me tomorrow morning." Someone delivers it.”

"yes."

Zhang Shigui could only nod and accept the order.

When he came down, Zhang Shigui met Wei Guogong Xu Pengju and talked about what Chen Hong wanted him to write.

"It doesn't matter. Jingli just wants to know the strength of this group of Japanese pirates. You know how to write it. As for the few younger ones, they haven't even gone to the battlefield yet, so they can't be transferred to the coastal guard."

Indeed, if the Japanese pirates who roamed dozens of prefectures and counties in the two provinces were all a mob, the officialdom of Jiangnan would really lose face.

At this point, the Japanese pirates' invasion of Nanjing, which caused a sensation in the north and south of the Ming Dynasty, came to a complete end. It ended with the resignation of Zhang Shiche, Minister of the Ministry of War of Nanjing, Chen Zhu, the Minister of Funing, Zhu Yue, the Marquis of Funing, and Guo Fang, the eunuch.

As for the reward, it will be decided after the important officials in Beijing discuss it and report it to the emperor. However, at this time, they are all celebrating the birth of the emperor's first grandson.

In the 10th month of the 34th year of Jiajing's reign, King Yu's first son was born in Renxu.

The Ministry of Etiquette asked to report to the temple community in the suburbs, and issued an edict to heaven, ordering the civil and military ministers to congratulate him, saying: "This is a ceremony for the grandson, how can we not wait for it?" The emperor ordered his officials to report: Xuanji Palace and Fengxian Palace. There is no need for the ministers to congratulate him, and there is no point in issuing an edict. Xunming Chengguo Duke Zhu Xi advised Xuanji Palace, and Prince Consort Xie Zhao issued an edict to Fengxian Palace.