Chapter 30 of Part I

  This time, the third division's Zhang Lian Sheng went to Guangdong to receive the defense zone. All the way, the Ming army cooperated and replaced each other, but when they arrived at the garrison in Macau, the Portuguese government had already negotiated with Zhang Lian Sheng. The history of Portugal occupying Macau can be traced back to the Portuguese missionary Alvarez Semedo, who lived in China for 21 years and published "The Missionary History of the Chinese Empire" in 43 years, which said: "Maao is a small island with reefs, easy to defend and easy to become a pirate's nest. In fact, it was indeed the case at that time." At that time, many pirates gathered there, disturbing all the surrounding islands. Pirates were active along the coast of Xiangshan in history, not uncommon. "The Brief History of Macau" records: "Gao Lun Mountain has many deer, and Liu Jin, a pirate, occupied it during the Yuan Dynasty... The two mountains of Hengqin are connected, forming the big and small Hengqin, which were occupied by Wang Yi, a pirate, at the end of the Yuan Dynasty." Gao Lun Island and Hengqin Island are both close to Macau today, and have been a gathering place for pirates since the end of the Yuan Dynasty. By the Jiajing period, the coastal areas of Xiangshan were even more affected by pirate invasions, especially those led by He Ya Ba and Zheng Zong Xing, who also gathered a group of foreign ships from the country of Fo to "come to Guangdong's outer seas and coastal villages to plunder and kill people and property". This was around Jiajing 30 years (1555). From the above materials, it can be seen that the coastal areas of Xiangshan have been an active area for pirates since the end of the Yuan Dynasty to the Ming Jiajing period.

  During the Ming dynasty, not only were pirates active in the Xiangshan area, but these pirates often colluded with foreign merchant groups from Southeast Asian countries... and even colluded with Japanese pirates to commit crimes in Xiangshan. According to the "Xiangshan County Annals", "In the first year of Jiajing (1522), a group of thieves rose up in Xinhui, inviting the Japanese pirate Huang Liangdu to sail along the coast, killing and looting the people." ... Before the Portuguese settled in Macau, the coastal areas of Xiangshan and Macau were indeed places where pirates, barbarian ships, and Japanese pirates frequently came and went. The earliest person to propose that the Portuguese help the Ming dynasty eliminate the pirates was Father Zhang Dezhao, who wrote in his "Transmission of the Gospel in the Chinese Empire" that "At that time, many pirates gathered there (Macau) to disturb all the surrounding islands. The Chinese had discussed how to get rid of this scourge. Either because they lacked courage or because they themselves were not willing to take risks and wanted to use someone else's strength to kill the enemy, when they learned that the Portuguese were brave and good at fighting, they entrusted this dangerous task to the Portuguese, promising that if the Portuguese could drive away these pirates, they would let them live on the island." "The Portuguese joyfully accepted this condition. Although their numbers were small, far fewer than the pirates, because they were more skilled in battle, they arrayed themselves in formation and launched a fierce attack on the pirates, defeating them severely while not losing a single man themselves. They quickly became the masters of this domain and the island. They immediately began building houses, each person choosing a place or location that suited him."

  According to Louis Pfister, the Zeng family completed their migration to Macau in 1638. By 1655, Italian Jesuit Ludovico Buglio wrote in his book "不得已辨" (Unavoidable Argument) that "During the Jiajing period, Guangdong pirate Zhang Xilao occupied Macau and besieged Guangzhou. The governor summoned Western guests to help lift the siege, chasing the pirates back to Macau and killing them. At that time, the governor reported this to the emperor, who ordered the Westerners to reside in Macau, which has been over 130 years now." If we count back 130 years from 1655, it would be between 1525 and 1535, or between the fourth and fourteenth year of the Jiajing period. Buglio's account is more specific than that of Zeng Dezhao, with a clear time frame and names mentioned.

  Based on the above situation, it can be seen that the Portuguese helped the Ming government crack down on pirates in order to obtain residence rights in Macau. At that time, the Ming government did not have the energy to crack down on pirates. However, after Zhang Lian arrived in Macau, he negotiated with the Portuguese government and proposed to take back their residence rights in Macau. Zhang Lian didn't care about these things and directly told the governor, Li Funei, his intention. The Portuguese government's people were not easy to deal with. After repeated requests, Zhang Lian found me. I looked at their materials and said to the chief of staff, Xiao Ran, and the political commissar, Zhou Lun, who was sitting next to me, "How do you think we should solve this problem?" Xiao Ran thought for a moment and said, "I think it's not good for us to have a direct conflict with Portugal right now. First, our northern Qing army has not been eliminated yet, and the country has not been unified. Although we can allocate some troops to deal with the Portuguese government, the most important thing is that Portugal's current naval power is much stronger than ours. On land, they are not our opponents, but if their navy attacks our coastal cities from time to time, I think it will be enough for us to drink a pot of wine." Zhou Lun also nodded in agreement and said, "I think so too. Now we need to establish relationships with overseas merchants. I think we still need the help of these people. How about considering Macau as a temporary commercial port? We can collect a certain fee on taxes, and let them handle other things. With our industrial advantages, I think our businessmen will definitely make money by trading with them."

  I looked at the two of them and said, "Alright, let's handle it temporarily like this. Let these Portuguese take advantage of us for now. Once we unify China, we'll deal with them later."

  Zhang Lian Sheng received my telegram in a military camp outside Guangzhou. After reading the contents of my telegram, he cursed in his heart, "Damn it! If I didn't have to go up and strike down those Qing dogs, you bunch of turtles would be driven back sooner or later." In the following days, Zhang Lian Sheng led some government officials and business representatives selected from Yueyang, Changsha, Nanchang, Wuhan, and Guangzhou to negotiate with the Portuguese government. After both sides made concessions, they finally signed the "Friendly Trade Agreement between the Chinese Empire and the Portuguese Government". The contents of the agreement were: First, Macau's territory is an integral part of the sacred and indivisible Chinese Empire, and the Portuguese government obtains residence rights in the form of a lease. The Portuguese garrison in Macau shall not exceed the basic defense force, and the Portuguese government shall pay an annual rent of 250,000 taels of silver to the Chinese Empire. Second, Macau is the first external commercial port of the Chinese Empire, and goods entering Macau from China are exempt from tariffs. At the same time, special preferential treatment is given to the Portuguese government, that is, goods entering the Chinese Empire from Portugal also enjoy equal treatment. (I believe these businessmen still have confidence. We can manufacture those things they play with, and we can also manufacture what they cannot manufacture. Are you afraid of their goods being sold in China?) Third, the Portuguese government shall not discriminate against Chinese residents in Macau. Fourth, after obtaining residence rights, the Portuguese government has the right and obligation to help the Chinese Empire eliminate pirates, ensure the safety and smoothness of navigation channels. Fifth, the Chinese Empire has the right to unconditionally recover the right to use Macau's territory when necessary. Finally, the Portuguese government shall first compensate for the rent for the past 20 years, totaling 500 million taels of silver. According to the actual situation in Macau and the contribution made by the Portuguese government in striking down pirates, a total of 100 million taels of silver is required as rent, which will be paid in three installments within three months. The Portuguese initially did not agree but eventually reluctantly agreed under Zhang Lian Sheng's persuasion.

  The Qing army in front is still stubbornly resisting our attack, trying to keep us south of the Yellow River. Li Dingguo has already gone to the front line of the First Army. Being able to lead such a team is a dream come true for a military man. After more than two months of influence, something must have changed in his heart. Seeing the happiness and satisfaction of the ordinary people from the bottom of their hearts, Li Dingguo also felt that his decision was correct.

  The consolidation work of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, and Guangxi provinces is proceeding in an orderly manner. On the basis of the propaganda team's predecessor, the Song and Dance Troupe of the Imperial General Political Department of China was established. After increasing the propaganda intensity for the newly liberated four provinces and using new propaganda methods, the people of the newly liberated four provinces quickly participated in our work.

  The copper mine in Gejiu, Yunnan, and the factory and mining enterprises in Liupanshui, Guizhou have been set up to alleviate the food problem of some ordinary people. The major cement factories in the old areas are also intensifying production. The highways leading to the four provinces are also being repaired urgently.

  The construction of these three roads has provided a huge employment opportunity for the migrant workers in the newly liberated four provinces. At the same time, the government paid 30 million silver dollars for this. Fortunately, some gold mines were found in Jiangxi and other places, which alleviated the pressure on our finances.

  The former Ming army has been gathered and trained in Zunyi for more than two months. Under Wang Hu's arrangement, the former Ming army and the Dashun Army were crossed and paired to give these people who did not obey military orders and had their own small circles an opportunity to separate. Under the leadership of Political Commissar Wu Shuang, an unprecedented political education campaign was launched.

  Every day after training in the daytime, the instructors at all levels would combine with their platoons or companies to carry out thought education work on a class-by-class basis. Gradually, these people who had no organization and discipline before began to seriously accept our views under the policy of "shooting the bird that sticks its head out".

  Some comrades even became probationary members of the Republican Party after introduction.

  I sat in my grandfather's room, watching him write with a brush. Grandfather said, "Ah Xiao, although the revolution is about to succeed, our difficulties are still not small." I nodded in agreement and asked, "Grandfather, where did you arrange for Emperor Yongli?" Grandfather smiled and said, "You're talking about Zhu Youlang. I've appointed him as the King of Wandering Carefree. He's temporarily living in a former landlord's house inside the city, with his eunuchs still serving him. There's nothing much to do outside, so let them continue to serve Zhu Youlang." Grandfather looked at me and said, "Recently, Li Dingguo's daughter has been asking about who is in command, wanting to find you. She's asked me many times already." He joked, "I think Li Dingguo's daughter isn't bad either, Ah Xiao, have you considered it?" I looked at Grandfather in confusion and said, "Find me? I've never offended him before. What are these words coming from?"

  Grandfather smiled and said, "Alright, let's talk about the military situation. Since our rear is no longer threatened, the 6th Division stationed in Hunan has set out for Fujian to join forces with the 5th Division. Yi Tianxing's 3rd Army has marched north to support the defense of Hubei's 5th Army and prepare to march further north at any time. Xiao Ying's 4th Army has marched out of Ximen Pass and advanced into Shaanxi. The 8th Army, due to the obstruction of Dabie Mountain, has taken down most of Anhui. The 6th Army has entered Henan Province and is now entering the northern region, where the enemy's cavalry advantage can be fully utilized, greatly hindering our army's advance." I said, "I think we should send the 9th Army to Jiangzhe area. The 3rd Division will march north into Fujian. Shi Lang's navy will also set sail from the Yangtze River and attack Taiwan first." Grandfather looked at me and said, "Ah Xiao, you must always be independent in the future. Asking me like this is unnecessary, as you've done much better than I have. I'm proud of you!" I humbly nodded and said, "Yes, then I'll go prepare now. You should also prepare for the coronation ceremony a month later."

  This is Japanese text. Here is the translation:

  Original Text:

  Translated Text: This