The Red Mansions

Jilong Mountain

Putmans, the Dutch Governor in Taiwan, led the pirates from all walks of life to the Wei Harbor and began to greet Haug and others. At this moment, the crowd was thick and dark. They stood in front of the Wei Harbor and looked at the ships with sails inflated and chopping the waves. When the warship arrived, everyone had different expressions.

The ship slowly approached the land. Accompanied by Abatai and the Zhenglan Banner guards, Hauge disembarked from the flag ship flying the Qing Dragon Flag. The biting cold wind howled, and the big cloak on his body was hunting. Sound.

Abatai and others also followed closely behind, most of them with proud looks on their faces.

Shi Tingzhu came quickly, hit Qian'er, and said with a smile: "I have seen the prince. The prince has come all the way and slept in the open. It is really hard work."

Hauge nodded and said, "General Shi, long time no see."

Everyone looked at this servile scene. The three brothers Liu Xiang and Yang Lu frowned secretly. The princes and nobles of the Qing Dynasty regarded the Han people as slaves. Who could bear this?
Hauge finished talking to Shi Tingzhu. As he spoke, he stared at Putmans who was lined up to welcome him. A slight smile appeared on his originally majestic and indifferent face. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Excellency, Aisin Gioro Hauge. , met the Governor."

Putmans looked at the tall and rugged King Lu, and said with a smile: "Your Excellency, Prince Su, welcome."

Liu Xiang looked at Hauge with good eyes, a look of solemnity in his eyes.

This Hauge brought so many soldiers and horses at once. If he wanted to steal the big island for himself, these soldiers and horses under him may not be able to resist it.

Others, such as Yan Qing from the Jinsha Gang and Shangguan Rui, the leader of the Nujiao Gang, looked at Hauge from a distance, with their thoughts fluctuating in their hearts.

After greeting each other, Haug and Putmans entered the governor's office and sat down separately.

Putmans looked at Hauge and said with a smile: "Your Excellency, the Prince, just fought against Han Ting's Duke Wei. How is the combat strength of Han Ting's navy?"

Hauge smiled and said: "Your Majesty Governor, when the Han Dynasty faced off at sea, it mostly relied on the power of fire and cannons. But as long as it was a close battle, our Eight Banners Warriors of the Qing Dynasty, each one worth ten, were invincible. The Han people were no match at all. This For a little bit, the Governor can rest assured."

Putmans nodded and said: "I have heard a little about the name of the Eight Banners Elites under His Excellency the Prince on the island."

Hauge changed the topic and said in a deep voice: "But we don't have cannons. When we fought with the Han people, we lost a lot of warships under the enemy's bombardment. I heard that your department has a lot of firecrackers. If you can equip them to Our navy will definitely be more powerful than a tiger."

Putmans heard this and said: "Actually, we don't have many muskets now, only at forty or fifty gates. In the previous battle with the Han army's navy, we also did not have an absolute advantage. Even if we change a group of people, The performance won’t be too good either.”

Hauge nodded and said: "Your Majesty Governor, I think these firecrackers should still be allocated to warriors. Only warriors who dare to fight and charge can maximize the effectiveness of these firecrackers."

Hearing this, Liu Xiang looked around and said, "Listen to what Prince Li said. Aren't our men warriors? In the previous battle with the Han navy, many of our brothers were warriors." Those who risk their lives and forget about death.”

All the pirate leaders present also agreed.

Hauge smiled, but his eyes darkened a bit, and said: "Master Liu, of course your troops are warriors, but our elite Eight Banners of the Qing Dynasty are known to the world for their bravery. Even the Han people are frightened by the news, and the North Korean navy is even more poorly trained." If we have a cannon and a blunderbuss in our hands, it will be more effective in front of the two armies."

Liu Xiang did not speak, but just smiled. The second-in-command behind him sneered and said: "Prince Li, this is not necessarily the case. Wasn't Ping'an Prefecture defeated by the Duke of Wei? It can be seen that this bravery Even if you say that, you are just talking nonsense."

Yang Lu listened on the sidelines, his face as cold as ice, watching all this with indifference.

Hauge's face darkened, and murderous intent was revealed in his eyes.

Abata snorted coldly, slapped the small table with a bang, and said in a deep voice: "Let's fight to see who can beat the other to a pulp?"

"Afraid of you?" the second-in-command next to Liu Xiang said angrily.

The pirates behind them were all making noises, as if they were just watching the fun and not afraid of big trouble.

Putmans's face turned livid and he shouted angrily: "That's enough."

Liu Xiang and Hauge both looked at each other coldly.

Hauge picked up the tea cup and took a sip, seemingly calm and relaxed.

But the bottom of his heart was filled with strong murderous intent.

Another pirate leader, Zhong Bin, who was sitting not far from Putmans, rolled his eyes briefly, smiled and said: "The enemy is facing us, and it is time to work together. To start internal strife is to seek death."

Putmans looked gloomy and said in a cold voice: "We are all decent people with a good reputation. We must not cause internal strife. As for how to pack the firecrackers, it depends on which step is more secure. Otherwise, the firecrackers will follow." If a ship sinks in the sea, it will not be easy to build it again.”

Hauge said: "The governor is right. It still depends on which navy can resist the Han army at sea. Otherwise, it will destroy the muskets and give the army the upper hand."

At this moment, Yang Lu looked indifferent and said: "Prince Li has come a long way, and the journey is full of dust. Let's enjoy the food and wine first, and we will make arguments later."

It was like finding steps for everyone to get off.

After that, everyone did not mention the array of fire guns for the time being.

But when they met for the first time, several forces gathered on Jilongshan Island, and some undercurrents were already surging.

……

……

At the same time, Fuzhou City——

In the 16th year of Chongping, the winter months had quietly entered. Although the area was close to the tropics, the weather was bone-chillingly cold. Jia Heng led a fleet to this southern capital of Fuzhou.

Yan Ming, governor of Fujian, led officials from the third division to greet Duke Wei and the Jiangnan Navy at the ferry.

Yan Ming is nearly fifty years old, with gray hair and a slightly thin body. Not far behind him are the vassal officials of the Chief Secretary, headed by Feng Zheng, the Chief Envoy of Fujian, who is also the second son of Empress Dowager Feng's brother.

At this moment, the top of the mast of the building ship appeared on the vast sea. Immediately, the warship gradually appeared in everyone's field of vision. At a glance, flaming flags with the word "Han" were flying in the wind around the warship. Hunting sound.

"Lord Zhongcheng, we are here." All the officials present said with joy on their faces.

Yan Ming smiled and ordered: "Come here, set off firecrackers."

"Crackling..."

The sound of a firecracker set off by the flagpole rang out, and the smoke filled the air, with confetti flying. The festive atmosphere seemed to dispel the winter chill, and also brought joy to the crowd who were waiting anxiously, with impatient faces on their faces.

Yan Ming greeted: "Everyone, come over and take a look."

As they spoke, the local Fujian officials rushed to greet the approaching navy.

on flag ship
Under the mast hanging a large banner of the Chinese army, Jia Heng held a monocular with both hands and looked at the land in the distance. Looking across the land, he could see that the mountains were winding and undulating, yellow and desolate, and there were many officials and gentry on the shore to welcome them to the port. .

The smile on Beijing Wang Shuirong's handsome and fair face also appeared, and he said: "Ziyu, Fuzhou has arrived."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Let's go down and meet the officials of Fuzhou Prefecture."

When a large number of ships docked at Wei Harbor, the sails were lowered one after another. A large number of Jinyi Fufu guards wearing exquisitely woven and embroidered flying fish suits, with embroidered spring knives hanging from their waists, got off the ships and stood guard along both sides of the ferry.

When Jia Heng and King Beijing got off the boat, they were walking side by side. King Shuirong of Beijing gradually fell half a step behind as a sign of respect.

Fujian Governor Yan Ming led the officials present to greet him, with a skilled smile on his face, and said: "Wei Guogong, Prince Beijing, and the lower official, Fujian Governor Yan Ming and officials from the province, have met these two adults."

At this moment, the officials not far away looked at the two men and were secretly surprised at how young Wei Guogong and Beijing King were.

Needless to say, the King of Beijing had the hereditary title of Duke of Beijing, but the Duke of Wei was really great. It was said that he made many meritorious deeds in commoner clothes and was finally named the Duke of the Kingdom.

The chief envoy Feng Zheng raised his eyes to look at the young man, his eyes flashed and his heart moved slightly.

It was mentioned in the previous letters that the Feng elder brother was able to serve as the Henan vassal, relying on the recommendation of Duke Wei.

Jia Heng looked at the Fujian officials with a smile on his face and said, "Master Yan and all of you, there is no need to be polite."

Yan Ming smiled and nodded, looking eagerly at the boy in the python suit.

Wang Shuirong of Beijing also smiled and said: "Sir Yan, you and I are old acquaintances. It's really flattering to Xiao Wang that Mr. Yan came out of the city to greet you."

Previously, Wang Shuirong of Beijing County led the navy southward and anchored in Fuzhou. He had a lot of dealings with the Fujian Governor's Yamen and officials from the Third Division.

Yan Ming smiled and said: "Prince Shui is so polite. After seeing you for nearly a month, Prince Shui's style is even better than before."

After saying that, he stretched out his hand to invite us and said: "Duke Wei, Prince Shui, the governor's office has prepared a small banquet to welcome the two adults. Please come to the government hall to talk."

Jia Heng nodded and followed Wang Shuirong of Beijing to the Fujian Governor's Yamen.

At this moment, the Fujian officials and Jiangnan camp generals behind them went to the government office in a mighty manner, while the Jiangnan Navy behind them also entered the port one after another.

In the official hall——

The civil servants and military generals sat on one side and greeted each other.

Jia Heng and King Beijing were sitting at the top, talking with Yan Ming, the governor of Fujian, and Feng Zheng, the chief envoy.Yan Ming asked: "Now that the weather has entered winter, if we want to send troops to attack Jilong Mountain, the weather will be inconvenient. Will Duke Wei send troops immediately during this trip, or will he wait?"

Jia Heng said: "Wait a little longer. When the naval forces from several places arrive one after another and join forces one after another, we can send people to investigate the information."

Yan Ming nodded and said: "The soldiers and horses have not moved yet, so food and grass go first. Now the Fuzhou government's treasury is not sufficient. This summer, many places suffered from drought, and a lot of food and grass were borrowed from the Governor's Mansion and the governor's office." It’s not easy to borrow too much silver at the moment.”

Jia Heng said: "I am already aware of Governor Yan's difficulties. However, the military situation is urgent. Governor Yan will try his best to borrow money. The imperial court will also purchase most of them nearby, so as not to make it difficult for Fujian."

Yan Ming smiled and said, "With Duke Wei's words, I can rest assured."

Afterwards, everyone drank and exchanged glasses.

After the reception banquet with Fujian officials, Jia Heng also returned to the post house where he was staying.

Chen Xiao said: "I have already sent an informant to Jilong Mountain to inquire about the news."

Jia Heng nodded, his eyes showing thinking, and said: "Hauge has led people to Jilong Mountain at this moment. It is the time for the enemy invaders to unite as one. It is not appropriate to send troops now. We have too little information about the Yi invaders. "

The so-called war is fought due to poor information, and we don't know enough about the barbarians now.

Chen Xiao asked softly: "What are your plans next?"

Jia Heng turned to ask: "Is there any news from Luoyang?"

Chen Xiao rolled his eyes at Jia Heng and said, "Liu Jixian said that he has arrived in Luoyang and is secretly protecting the Queen's fleet."

Jia Heng nodded and said: "That's good. After two days, if necessary, I will go north to take care of you."

It's not that he covets the snow beauty, but if the Queen's fleet is attacked, he will also have to bear a lot of responsibility.

Chen Xiao said softly: "Then the next step is to wait for the Jilongshan fighter plane to appear?"

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Absolutely."

Not long after, the government guards suddenly came to report that it was Feng Zheng, the chief envoy of Fujian Province, who came to visit.

Jia Heng said: "Let's go with me to meet this relative of the Feng family."

After saying that, he got up and went to the front hall. He looked at Feng Zheng who was sitting upright and said, "Master Feng."

Feng Zheng stood up quickly, cupped his hands and said, "I have met Duke Wei."

"Master Feng." Jia Heng returned the salute and said.

The two sat down as guests and hosts.

Feng Zheng asked: "Duke Wei, the Jurchens and the North Korean navy fled south to Jilong Mountain this time. How many pirates are there on the unknown island?"

Jia Heng thought for a while and said: "There are about [-] sailors. At this moment, they are gathered together with the Hongyi and the pirates. Although several forces are gathered together, they each have their own agendas, so don't worry too much."

Feng Zheng smiled, looked at the young man in python suit across from him, and asked: "Duke Wei is a famous general in the world, so he should have a plan to defeat the enemy, right?"

Jia Heng said: "We still need to take another look at the fighter plane, but there is no need to rush."

Feng Zheng nodded and agreed: "When it comes to military affairs, the most important thing to avoid is impetuousness. Duke Wei is worthy of being a great general in the world."

Jia Heng said: "Master Feng, many of the pirates on Jilong Mountain are common people in Fujian. Does Master Feng know their background or clues?"

Feng Zhengdao: "Many criminals from Fujian were wanted for violating the law and were brought to Jilongshan Island. After they established a foothold in sea trade robbery, many people in the area often went to Jilongshan Island. Cage Mountain is engaged in this kind of business.”

Jia Heng nodded.

In fact, even in later generations, once they sneak out and gain a foothold, they will quickly bring many people with them and take away the entire village.

Feng Zhengdao: "It's easy to investigate, but it's easy to investigate. Many of them even built their ancestral houses in the countryside. During the New Year, when the ban was not strict, they would drag their families back with them. Officials in prefectures and counties accepted bribes from them and did not do anything." Report to the top."

Jia Heng said: "The thoughts of the clan here are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, so it is not surprising that many things happen."

Feng Zheng smiled and said: "The Duke of Wei is a famous general in the world. If we can get some inspiration from him and formulate strategies to defeat the enemy, that would be the best."

Jia Heng said: "Mr. Feng is too complimentary."

After that, the two talked for a while. After Feng Zheng left, Jia Heng looked at Chen Xiao who came out and said, "Sure enough, there are a lot of hidden things inside. Some big bosses have connections with the local gentry."

Chen Xiao frowned and said in a clear voice: "Next, send Jinyi Mansion down to investigate."

"Check it first. If it is confirmed, mobilize relatives to persuade them to surrender." Jia Heng nodded and said, "Have the envoys sent to Haojing gone?"

Chen Xiao said softly: "Already gone."

Jia Heng said warmly: "As soon as the Yuehai Navy and Denglai Navy come out, we need to integrate the relevant ships and firepower and unify military orders. We will try to attack Jilong Mountain first to see the resistance of the sea invaders and Hongyi."

This battle of recovery did not happen overnight.

Time flies, and two days have passed before you know it. Surrounded by a group of personal guards, Wu Tao, the navy commander of the Guangdong Navy, led the navy to Fuzhou Fucheng. On the other side, Shi Nai, the bowling lord of the Denglai Navy, also arrived. They came with troops one after another.

For a time, the city of Fuzhou was filled with the figures of the Han Dynasty Navy. The ships of the Han Dynasty Navy were cruising back and forth between the straits, giving the impression that a storm was about to come.

……

……

On the other side, Luoyang City, the ferry——

As she spoke, Queen Song realized that it was time to set off today. The ships moored at the ferry, escorted by the surrounding Tiqi and Beijing cavalry, raised their sails and headed toward the east.

On the ferry, there were many carriages and reeds seeing each other off. In addition to the ladies of the Korean Madam's Mansion, there were also the Xun Qi Gaoming who lived in Luoyang, who were also watching from a distance.

Chen Yuan stood on the spot, frowned, and watched the warships going south along the Yellow River, his eyes somewhat gloomy.

"Sir, why?" The young man beside him asked Chen Yuan as he turned his cold eyes away from the ship.

"The people in Jinyi Mansion have been on guard recently, please wait." Chen Yuan's face turned frosty, and his eyes were full of worry.

Recently, a new batch of brocade clothes arrived in Luoyang City, and someone reminded him that the attack on the witch had been detected by Jia Heng'er who was in Nan Province.

In the cabin of the ship, Empress Song was dressed in a light yellow dress, her lush hair was tied into an exquisite bun, her face was white and tender, her eyebrows were curved, and her beautiful eyes were as moist as water.

Empress Song withdrew her gaze, looked at Liang Wang Chen Wei, and said softly: "Wei'er, your fourth uncle is an official in Kaifeng Mansion. After arriving there, we will stay for two days and we will go all the way to Xuzhou."

Prince Liang said: "Mother, this is the newspaper you asked for today."

With that said, he handed the newspaper in his hand to Empress Song's personal female officer.

Empress Song took the newspaper from her residence, lowered her head to read it, and said in a gentle and gentle voice: "Jia Ziyu defeated the Jurchens in the Chongming Sand Sea, so is he going south to pursue him now?"

The King of Liang chuckled lightly, as if with a bit of disdain, and said: "I heard that it was a small victory, but now the Jurchens and Hongyi have colluded together. Originally, the naval battle and the great victory in Ping'an Prefecture relied on Hongyi cannons, but now the enemy invaders and The Jurchens also have the Hongyi cannon, so it will not be easy if they think they can win so easily."

He always believed that the so-called Ping'an Prefecture victory that allowed Fifth Sister and Chan Yue to marry Jia Heng was just a lucky break.

If Huang Taiji hadn't been accidentally killed, his father would not have agreed to such a ridiculous proposal, taking over both Ningrong and Ningrong houses, marrying the emperor's daughter and the daughter of the clan at the same time.

Looking at her son's appearance, Empress Song was a little amused, and said in a soft voice with a hint of smile: "When Ziyu went to the northwest, he didn't seem to have the Hongyi Cannon with him."

"Then the Heshuote and Junggar people are not as difficult to deal with as the Jurchens." King Liang retorted.

Empress Song glanced at Prince Liang, and in the past two days, she gradually got used to her second son's disdain for Jia Heng, and said: "You are just too prejudiced. How can Jia Ziyu go from a down-and-out nobleman to a minister of the Zhu Kingdom? How can the word "lucky" be an understatement? In the war, one victory after another, a fluke, can it be a fluke again and again?"

King Liang opened his mouth when he heard this, but was speechless for a moment.

Empress Song said softly: "Now that Jiangnan's new policies and military affairs are in full swing, your brother is in the capital, so he is out of reach."

Prince Liang raised his sinister face, stared at the lost Empress Song, and said to himself, the Empress Mother only had her brother in her heart. He was also the Empress Yuanzi. He was only born a year and a half younger than his brother, so he would be inferior to him.

God has treated him so unfairly!

Empress Song picked up the tea cup, placed her pink lips as full as pink petals against the porcelain bowl, took a sip, and said, "Even if your brother is really... Jia Ziyu will still need to rely on the ministers of the country in the future."

Thinking of the young man's cold face, Queen Song's phoenix eyes flickered, and she sighed quietly.