Relay

  Although the decision to send troops to Fujian to support Geng Jingzhong had been made, it was not possible to withdraw soldiers and ships, prepare food and military equipment just by talking about it. It still needed some time to complete the preparation work. However, these trivial matters were not more important than deciding who would stay behind to guard the fundamental place of Zheng's army, Taiwan, before Zhu Jin's western expedition.

  Due to Zhu Jin's younger brothers being greedy and coarse, and his sons still being young and inexperienced, he could only choose one person from among his subordinates. This person was naturally Chen Yonghua, who had assisted Zhu Jin in obtaining the title of Prince of Yanping and had effectively implemented the policy of reclaiming land and restoring Taiwan's economy in Dongning.

  In the 28th year of Yongli, in April, Zhu Jin removed Chen Yonghua as the commander-in-chief of the military and state affairs (i.e. Dongning General Commander, Dongdu Governor) before his departure, and recommended Zhu Tugui, who was actually a puppet, to grant Chen Yonghua the civil rank of Zheng Erpin Canshan Daifu. For a time, Chen Yonghua dominated Taiwan.

  "Uncle, what do you mean by this?" Chen Xiangwu, the military officer summoned to Chen Yonghua's private residence, flipped through the memorial that the other had deliberately brought for him to see, and his face changed involuntarily. "Uncle, the Emperor entrusting me with an important task is a sign of trust in our Chen family, so why do you insist on pushing out that twelve-year-old Yuanzi?"

  "It's hard to stay at the top for long." Chen Yonghua stroked his beard as he explained. "You and I, uncle and nephew, are not of the imperial surname Yuan, but have relied on the emperor's trust, rising to high positions in just a short decade. Now we even control all of Taiwan, but what's scary is that those old ministers won't say anything in front of the emperor, but deep down they've long since hated you and me, uncle and nephew."

  "This?" Chen Xiangwu was silent, no mistake, his own uncle and nephew, one following Zhu Jin to the left and right to assist in military planning, one in charge of the entire rear, would indeed be envied by others. However, because of this reason, pushing Zheng Kezang out might only have the opposite effect. Moreover, he had just recently opposed that child's opinion. Thinking of this, Chen Xiangwu submitted a memorial. "Uncle, Yuanzi is not the eldest son, and there have been rumors that he is not the emperor's own son. If uncle strongly supports Yuanzi, it may lead to even more resentment."

  "You also said it was a rumor, why believe it then." Chen Yonghua shook his head. "As for being envied and hated, would pushing out the five-year-old son really make others have no objections? It's just that when the time comes, there will be even more voices of dissent."

  This is also the case, leaving out the elder son but instead bringing up the much younger legitimate son, isn't that even more revealing of the powerful minister's true face? Since neither side is right.

  "It's better not to submit the memorial at all." Chen Shangwu suggested. "Anyway, the emperor will veto it, so let's not bother with this kind of trouble."

  "Trouble can't be avoided just by wanting to." Chen Yonghua sighed, he wasn't unaware of his nephew's thoughts, but compared to his nephew's small calculations, his own troubles might be even bigger. "Rather than not knowing when something will happen, it's better to reveal it early and take the opportunity to test King Wang's intentions."

  Chen Shangwu suddenly realized: "It turns out that Uncle was considering this, in that case, it seems that the nephew's vision is too shallow."

  ??”

  Zhu Jin naturally rejected Chen Yonghua's proposal, but the matter had already spread throughout Dongning. It was precisely because of this that Zhu Jin felt he needed to give an account to the woman and eldest son he loved, so before leaving, he specially came to He Yuan.

  "Qin She, your suggestion was not adopted at the previous court meeting, are you unhappy about it?"

  Zhu Jin's question seemed ordinary, but Zheng Kezang had to think for a moment before answering. However, he hadn't opened his mouth when Chen Zhaoniang pouted: "What else can be said? Qin She is still young and favored by the emperor, bringing him to the imperial court to listen to politics is already overstepping, and now he's humiliated in public, it's all spread throughout the inner court, saying that the yellow-mouthed child is self-righteous.

  ??”

  "Who is slandering me." Zhu Jin angrily ordered his personal attendant. "Investigate, and after finding out, exile them to Langya."

  "The emperor calmed down, and others said that the son was not actually angry." Zheng Kezang was shocked as soon as he heard this. He and Chen Zhaoniang were already thorns in people's eyes, and if things continued like this, who would dare to get close to the imperial court again? "It is even more unnecessary for these scoundrels to make the emperor lose his reputation of benevolence."

  "There's a saying that a gentleman values virtue, while a petty person fears authority. These good-for-nothings won't learn their lesson unless they're taught a thing or two." Although he said this, Zhu Jin's eyes shone with satisfaction. "Never mind, I'll listen to you this time." As he spoke, Zhu Jin changed the subject and asked with concern, "Qin She, how's your reading been lately?"

  "In response to the king's words, my son has now learned one chapter of the Book of Rites." Zheng Kezang replied respectfully to Zhu Jin's question. "Every morning, he also practices spear thrusts two hundred times, chops fifty straw targets, and shoots fifteen arrows. My son has also learned horseback riding and swimming, but is still not quite daring enough to let the horse run fast or dive too deep."

  "Has Qīn Shè already learned the 'Lǐ Jì'?" Zhū Jǐn didn't pursue the details of Zheng Kè Zāng's martial studies, but instead showed great interest in his mastery of literature. This was also a common affliction among Chinese rulers who valued literature over martial arts.

  "Let your father test you then. The ruler is enlightened, not because he is an enlightened person, but because he is the ruler. He is nourished, not because he is a nourishing person, but because he is the ruler. He is served, not because he is a serving person, but because he is the ruler. Therefore, if the ruler enlightens the people, there will be transgressions; if he nourishes them, they will be insufficient; if he serves them, he will lose his position.

  Therefore, the common people govern themselves for the ruler's sake, nourish him to ensure their own safety, and serve him to gain recognition. Therefore, when rituals are clear and roles are defined, everyone loves their death but hates their life. What does this passage mean?"

  Zheng Kezang's facial muscles twitched slightly, and he muttered: "Father King, Master only taught me to read these few sentences, but didn't have time to tell me how to interpret them, so...so...son doesn't know what to do."

  Zhu Jin looked at him coldly, Zheng Kezang stared back at him without blinking, and after a long time, Zhu Jin burst out laughing.

  "He knows what he knows and admits what he doesn't know, this kid is indeed honest, but not being hypocritical is also a virtue. However, being too straightforward might be a drawback in politics, and he may have to suffer some setbacks later on."

  "Where is the father who teaches his son not to be a good person?" Chen Zhaoniang lightly tapped Zhu Jin, but her face had a hint of a satisfied smile, no doubt because Zhu Jin's words just now seemed to have some implication that pleased her. "Qin She is only twelve years old, don't teach him to be bad."

  "What's the point of being in politics? The son actually doesn't dare to think about it, he just wants to learn from his father and become a great general like him." Zheng Kezang had been thinking about how to grasp a reliable military force for several days, and when he heard the topic was brought up, he took advantage of the opportunity. "In the future, we'll follow in Father's footsteps, drive out the Tartars together, and restore the Han Dynasty."

  Chen Zhaoniang was stunned, never thinking that his son would say such a thing. Zhu Jin, on the other hand, burst out laughing again: "Good ambition! It's time to let the Tartars know what we Han people are capable of, and also prevent them from thinking that Zhongzhou is without heroes. However, Qīn Shè, this time Father King leads the army westward, maybe he'll drive the Tartars out of the pass. At that time, don't say Father King didn't leave some for you."

  Zheng Kezang secretly sneered, thinking that Zhu Jin still believed that with Geng Jingzhong's promise, the Western Expedition would definitely be successful, but he was getting ahead of himself and underestimating Kangmazi and those treacherous Han traitors.

  Of course, Zheng Kezang, who had lived two lives, would not show his inner thoughts on his face. Instead, he knelt down in front of Zhu Jin and said loudly: "I wish my father a successful journey to unify the world, eliminate the evil forces in the divine state, and establish a great achievement that will last for all eternity!"

  "Well said! Well said!"

  Zhu Jin was overjoyed and his expression became even more satisfied as he looked at Zheng Kezang. Since he felt that the eldest son's actions conformed to his own intentions, and had just received news that someone in the palace wanted to harm him, Zhu Jin thought it necessary to give this eldest son some compensation.

  "Just this sentence deserves a reward! Speak, what is it that you want? Your father will grant it all."

  "Is any reward acceptable?" With Zhu Jin's confirmation, Zheng Kezang suppressed the excitement in his heart and calmly proposed: "My son wants to recruit a hundred or so children of similar age as companions, build a children's camp, and command them to line up and array every day."

  Although the answer seems a bit childish, it is actually the result of Zheng Kezang's careful consideration. This is a clever move that he has come up with after taking into account both Chinese and foreign perspectives, from Peter the Great to Kangxi Emperor. At first glance, some of the troops composed of young children may seem a bit ridiculous, but the Western Expedition led by Zhu Jin lasted for six whole years. After six years, these peers will become Zheng Kezang's trusted and powerful forces that he can command at will.

  "Qin She still wants to be a great general." Zhu Jin pinched Chen Zhaonang's slightly cool jade hand, and then nodded casually at Zheng Kezang, who had a sincere expression. "Alright, Father King has promised you, but there is one condition: you are not allowed to neglect your daily studies, otherwise Father King will come back and spank you."

  ??”

  "This couple, in the middle of the day, wants to do some activities not suitable for children." Zheng Kezang, who had just received Zhu Jin's promise, hadn't even had time to be happy when he was chased out by Chen Zhaoniang with rosy cheeks. Of course, it was called letting him take a nap, but in fact, everyone on earth knew what was going on. So Zheng Kezang grumbled all the way. "It's just a matter of circles and crosses, I'm just not tall enough now, really talking about beauties, talking about romance, my vision..."

  ??”

  Zheng Kezang's muttering to himself didn't last long, because just as he was leaving Chen Zhaoniang's courtyard, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him: "Halt! You dare to run after I've told you to halt? Come here and hold him down for me."

  The eunuchs on the side quickly grabbed the opponent who was dodging, and Zheng Kezang slowly stepped in front of him: "Huh? Your face looks very familiar, I think I've seen you somewhere before. Tell me, what kind of person are you and what are you doing here?"

  "Slave, I am a person from Jin Hua Yuan, and I was sent by the princess to invite the prince over for a chat. Let go, let go quickly!" The man replied while struggling. "Qin She, no, young master, I didn't mean to spy on you, ah, it hurts, young master, spare me this time."

  "Jin Hua Institute?" Zheng Kezang's eyebrows were tightly locked, and it was clear that Tang He Niang's side had also been affected by Chen Yonghua's previous blow, so he specially sent someone to spy on Zhu Jin's movements. "What are you running for? Do you have a guilty conscience?" After dropping this sentence that made the other person's liver and gallbladder split, Zheng Kezang suddenly changed his face. "However, since you're from Jin Hua Institute, I won't punish you too much. Just kneel here and wait for my father to come out. Keep an eye on him, don't let him get up until my father comes out."

  The fireman on the other side secretly let out a sigh, but Zheng Kezang was smiling slyly. Although he didn't scold or beat Tang and his wife, the internal struggle lasted for at least half an hour. If they slept for another while, this unlucky fireman would have to wait for more than an hour. This way, they couldn't avoid suffering a bit, and also, the Jin Hua Academy wouldn't be able to make their move yet.

  However, this interlude told Zheng Kezang that his Long March had only taken the first insignificant step: "Jin Shi Jiu, didn't you tell me last time that there was a British commercial house outside Dongdu City, and it seemed like there were also Japanese commercial houses?"

  "Qin Sheng remembered correctly," the chief eunuch, who was following Zheng Kezang closely, responded: "The king still bought cannons from Yinggui and hired a gun instructor, but the Japanese trading houses are mostly in Jilong, and there aren't any here in Chengtian Prefecture."

  "You go and ask, what is the price of the Englishman's cannon, and how much salary does the artillery instructor need. Zheng Kezang was not in a hurry to buy cannons and hire instructors, he didn't have to rush, some things at least had to wait until Zhu Jin's order was issued, after the army marched west. "Also, ask again what is the price of the Japanese three-chambered long gun, come back and report to me."

  Promise