Chapter 39 of Part One

  Taiwan, in the Yongping County Prince's Mansion, a middle-aged man of medium build and sturdy physique sat alone in deep thought in the great hall. This person was Zheng Chenggong.

  Koxinga gazed at the vast Yanping County Prince's Mansion, thinking of his father Zheng Zhilong. His father, once a pirate, had managed to build their family business into what it was today. Now, however, the Yanping County Prince's Mansion no longer had its former prosperity. The red lacquer on the beams and pillars was peeling off, and the defeat in Fujian had taken away his youthful vigor when he recovered Taiwan and drove out the Dutch.

  At this time, a man walked in from the outside of the hall. The robust figure made Zheng Chenggong's eyes lift up and he said, "Chen Jinnan, what brings you here?" This thirty-something-year-old man was none other than the leader of the Tiandihui - Chen Jinnan.

  Chen Jinnan respectfully knelt down in front of Zheng Chenggong and said, "Your Imperial Majesty, according to reliable sources, the Chinese Empire is going to...".

  "Koxinga didn't move, staring at Chen Yin-nan and said 'Yin-nan, are you here to persuade me to surrender? I, Koxinga, a hero of the age, for the sake of the people and the foundation of the Great Ming, have recovered Taiwan. Now...' Koxinga paused for a moment before continuing 'Let the wind blow and the rain pound against me, I remain unmoved. Hmph! If you want me to surrender, then show me your skills, let me see if it's someone worthy of my service.' With that, he waved his hand at Chen Yin-nan and said 'Yin-nan, go attend to your matters.'"

  Although Zheng Chenggong's tone was firm, the clever Chen Jinnan naturally also heard Zheng's despair and sadness, so he could only softly sigh and say "Lord Guoxing, take care of yourself, I will withdraw."

  As Chen Jingnan retreated, Zheng Chenggong stood up from the rattan chair and walked out of the Yanping County Prince's Mansion with slow steps. On the street, he was greeted by civilians wearing Ming dynasty attire. This made Zheng recall the scene when he first recovered Taiwan. The simple and unadorned people welcoming him along the way reappeared before his eyes. Looking at the bustling crowd still unaware of the great enemy that would soon arrive, Zheng Chenggong shook his head and muttered to himself, "Alas, the fate of the Ming dynasty is coming to an end."

  At the same time, in the army conference room of Jinmen Land Army Zhang Lian Sheng's troops, a fierce debate was underway.

  "I think I'm the most suitable person for this mission. Firstly, I'm from Taiwan and I'm very familiar with it. If the mission fails, I'll have enough time to escape. Secondly, I can put aside past grievances and go persuade Zheng Chenggong to surrender. I believe he will prioritize the bigger picture, and our plan will be twice as effective."

  "The blue sky stood up and said in a very calm voice, 'No matter how to recruit and appease, I think I am not involved, my intention is that the navy will respond in the waters near Penghu, the air force will respond between Penghu and Taiwan, and try to ensure your safety.'"

  Zhang Lian Sheng also said in his unique hoarse voice, "I think it's not suitable for Shi Lang to go." He continued without regard to Shi Lang's glare and blowing of the nose, "Firstly, Zheng Chenggong will definitely be dissatisfied if Shi Lang goes to persuade him. He must think that Shi Lang is intentionally showing off his power in front of him. This way, he will not lose face and surrender to us. Secondly, Shi Lang and Zheng Chenggong have a history of killing each other's mothers and brothers. If Zheng Chenggong is arrogant and rude, Shi Lang will definitely not be able to bear it, so I think it's not suitable for Shi Lang to go."

  At this time, Zeng Qing also stood up with his rare calm attitude and said calmly "I agree with Lian Sheng's view, my opinion is also...". Just then, Shi Lang kicked him under the table, and Zeng Qing continued to say "Also disagree with Shi Lang going to appease Zheng Chenggong."

  I looked at them and smiled at Lü Hui, saying "Lü Hui, tell me about your views."

  Lü Hui stood up and gave me a military salute, saying "I think it's most suitable for you to go."

  As soon as this was said, the nine people below opened their pots. Zeng Qing said there, "Nonsense, how can this be? What if Zheng succeeds in capturing Long Kui? This is absolutely impossible."

  I interrupted them and nodded at Lü Hui, saying "Lü Hui, you continue to say your thoughts and reasons. See if it's worth me going."

  He nodded and said, "I think that from the fact that Zheng Chenggong recovered Taiwan Island, it can be seen that he is still a patriot who loves his people. If he didn't have the support of the common people at that time, they wouldn't have welcomed him with open arms. Now, the fact that Zheng Chenggong has so many ordinary people supporting him also shows that he is extremely fond of taking care of them. If he had even a bit of military sense, then when it comes to putting the Taiwanese civilians in harm's way, he would definitely be careful. Secondly, Zheng Chenggong is someone who values face very much. If you were to personally go and persuade him, that would give him enough face. He would think that you are treating him like Zhuge Liang, going to his humble abode to consult with him. Moreover, even if you went, there wouldn't be any danger. Given Zheng Chenggong's personality, unless he was truly defeated on the battlefield, he wouldn't harm your reputation by detaining you." After finishing speaking, he seemed to ask for my opinion and sat down.

  I cleared my throat and said, "I think Lv Hui's proposal is very insightful. Moreover, Zheng Chenggong has been studied thoroughly, I think this method is the best. Alright, today's meeting will end here, and this matter is settled."

  In March 958, the early spring weather had passed, and it was already mid-spring. The warmth of spring brought good mood to everyone. The naval fleet with the flag of the Chinese Empire had appeared in the waters of Penghu Islands at this time. Zheng Chenggong's fleet was now vigilantly monitoring Shi Lang's navy.

  Koxinga stood on the flagship and said to me, "I have long admired your great name, General. Today I finally meet you, and Zheng is truly honored."

  I raised my hands to Zheng Chenggong and said, "I have long admired General's prestige. The general recovered Taiwan from the Dutch is really admirable, today I am lucky to meet the general, it is a blessing for me."

  Koxinga's boat also drew near. He made a polite gesture and said, "If the General is not too proud, please wait for a moment on the boat, I have something to say." Then he looked at me with sincere eyes.

  I smiled at him and said, "General, you're too kind. I'm honored." As I spoke, I took a closer look at this legendary figure who had recovered Taiwan. His skin was slightly darkened by the long-term exposure to sea winds. His eyebrows were thick, and the space between them revealed an upright and honest aura. I felt that Zheng Chenggong was also sizing me up, so I smiled kindly at him and said, "If you don't mind, General, you can call me Ah Xiao. Please, go ahead."

  Zheng Chenggong burst out laughing and said "Alright, then Zheng will take the liberty of addressing you as Ah Xiao, please" and led the way into the cabin.

  The reception room inside the cabin looks a bit simple. I looked at Zheng Chenggong and nodded for me to sit down, I thought for a moment and raised my head to stare at Zheng Chenggong "General Zheng, we don't need to be polite anymore, I like straightforward communication."

  Koxinga smiled and said, "General, please speak. Zheng is also a straightforward person. Whatever it is, just say it."

  I couldn't help but admire Zheng Chenggong's tactics, which subtly pushed our recently improved relationship back a bit, all in the pursuit of greater benefits.

  "I've organized my thoughts and said to General Zheng, 'I think we are both descendants of the Yan and Huang emperors. I don't want to beat around the bush or engage in polite conversation with you. That would be hypocritical.' I paused for a moment before continuing, 'General, you should also know the current situation. Our army and the Qing army are fiercely battling in the north, and the Qing army is retreating step by step. In Jiangnan, except for Taiwan, everything is under the rule of our Chinese Empire. Attacking Taiwan, I believe you also understand that it's only a matter of time before we take it down. The only ones who will suffer are the people of Taiwan.' I intentionally paused again and said, 'We are both descendants of the Yan and Huang emperors, and from the perspective of the people's interests, we shouldn't continue to confront each other. Furthermore, if you join us in our great endeavor, I guarantee with my honor as the commander-in-chief of the People's Army and my personal integrity that you will become the commander of a newly established naval fleet.' I looked into General Zheng's eyes and continued, 'If we fight, it will only benefit the Qing dynasty. This would go against our common goal of opposing the Qing. Even if we take Taiwan, it will only result in countless deaths and injuries, with families torn apart and blood flowing like rivers. Think about how many innocent people will suffer, General.' After saying all this, I concluded, 'Weighing the pros and cons, you are a wise man, and the decision to fight or make peace is entirely in your hands. Please think carefully before acting. I bid you farewell."

  Zheng Chenggong stood up and said in a low voice towards the outside, "See off the guest." Then he turned around to face me and said, "Ah Xiao, please don't take offense, Zheng is not feeling well today. I won't see you off far."

  Taiwan.

  Inside the Koxinga's palace, the lights were shining brightly. For the past few days, Zheng Chenggong had been struggling between war and peace. His worries had aged him a lot. The millions of Taiwanese people had finally defeated his personal honor, and the balance of the war had finally tilted towards peace. Zheng looked at the various generals in the hall and said in a low voice, "Gentlemen, what do you think about cooperating with the Chinese Empire?"

  A sly-looking man came out and said, "Lord Zheng, I think it's absolutely impossible to surrender." After finishing speaking, he looked at Zheng Chenggong with his small eyes and continued to say, "The Chinese Empire is a thief, and it doesn't matter to our great Ming dynasty. It belongs to the remnants of Zhu Yunwen from the early days of the Great Ming. This kind of wolfish ambition is undoubtedly evident, and they simply want to seize the throne of our great Ming dynasty. Everyone can see this now. The thieves even changed the name of our great Ming country to the Chinese Empire, completely changing the orthodoxy of our great Ming. I think it's really not worth surrendering to these thieves. Moreover, I think that as long as Lord Zheng gives a loud call, all the righteous scholars in the world will definitely respond with one voice, and my Qingtang Sect will also die for the Great Ming. At that time, how can we worry about our great Ming dynasty not being restored?"

  "Your Excellency, I think General Feng Xifan's words are truly absurd and unrealistic. He fails to see the situation clearly. With our Tiandihui having many eyes and ears, we cannot even get close to Jiangxi and Hubei, let alone imagine where the rebels against the Qing will come from. The Mu Wang Fu in Yunnan has already surrendered to China and joined forces with us to rebel against the Qing. I think we should follow the trend of the times and bring benefits to the people of Taiwan. Moreover, if we were to rebel against the Qing, we would have to go north and attack the peaceful and prosperous Chinese Empire, which would surely earn us the scorn of others. Perhaps we wouldn't even be able to get in."

  Zheng Chenggong looked at Chen Jinnan with deep feeling, nodded his head, and then turned to another young man saying "Guo Xiang, what's your opinion?"

  Liu Guoxiang stepped forward and said, "Your Excellency, I think surrender is inevitable, but if we surrender so easily to the Chinese Empire, it will only make their generals look down on us. So, I think we shouldn't rush to surrender just yet. Let's see what they're capable of first. Is it worth our while to surrender together?" This is my humble opinion, please enlighten me, Your Excellency.

  Zheng Chenggong was very satisfied that Liu Guoxiang had spoken out, and a hint of a smile appeared on his serious face. He nodded in agreement and said, "Not bad. I think we'll go with Guoxiang's proposal." Then he turned to Chen Jinnan and said, "Jinnan, organize the evacuation of the civilians, and also send a declaration of war to the Chinese Empire."