Time flies, and more than half a month has passed before you know it. On the broad official road in front of Guangzhou Fucheng, smoke and dust are everywhere, and the sound of horse hooves is chaotic.
Teams of Tiqiu galloped on the official road, gradually approaching the city gate. The soldiers guarding the north city gate with swords held their hands on the crenel, looking at the figure of the Red Lingqiu. Their expressions suddenly changed, and their expressions quickly changed. City Gate Tower, go to the Guangdong Governor's Yamen and the Magistrate's Yamen in the city to report.
Because Jia Heng was the first to write about the relevant yamen in Guangzhou, the officials in the city were planning their schedule in the past two days and specifically told the captain guarding the city gate tower to pay attention to the movements in the north.
"Xilulu~~"
With the sound of the horses slowing down, Jia Heng tightened the reins of the military horse and looked at the local people in Guangzhou Prefecture who were coming and going, wearing commoners and pushing wheelbarrows. The official road at this time was still a dirt road. When the sky was clear, dust was everywhere, and his vision was gray. Yes, but as far as the eye can see are green fields, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.
During this era, parts of Guangdong had been developed, but Guangxi, which also belonged to Lingnan, was still desolate and remote. Many places were uninhabited within ten miles, so it was often used as a place of exile for prisoners.
The tall and majestic city is protected by the wind and rain, and the banners and stones are written in regular script with Guangzhou Prefecture. It is half noon, and people from Guangzhou Prefecture are walking into the city in small groups pushing wheelbarrows. Occasionally, some red-haired people can be seen. , blue-eyed foreigners rode toward the city in a carriage loaded with goods.
"There are many foreign businessmen hanging around in Guangzhou." Chen Xiao saw Jia Heng's eyes on the Hongyi people, curiosity appeared on his face, his eyes flickered, and he said softly.
Jia Heng turned to look at the girl aside and asked, "Has Xiaoxiao been here before?"
That day in Jinling Fucheng, Xiaoxiao's cooking was praised by many generals.
"Well, I came here once a few years ago." Chen Xiaoyu paused slightly and said in a clear voice.
"Captain." Li Shu, a hundred households in brocade clothes, stepped forward with the reins in hand and said in a deep voice: "Does the governor go to Guangzhou Qianhu Station? Or is he going to stay at the post house?"
"Go to Qianhusuo." Jia Heng thought for a while and said.
After all, it is Jinyi Mansion's own yamen, so it is more convenient to live there.
This time he went south with only two hundred cavalry and no other cavalry.
Accompanied by the large group of Tiqi behind them, they entered Guangzhou City in rolled armor. They had just arrived at an inconspicuous official office in the south of the city. Qianhu Jiao Ke led the deputy Qianhu, Baihu and other Jinyi generals from the Qianhu Office of Jinyi Mansion to start. Went to the middle gate to welcome Jia Heng into the official office of Jinyi Mansion.
Just as they stepped onto the eaves of the corridor, there was a burst of shouting on the street, and a sedan was seen. Officers holding swords at their waists came down to the front. The sedan dropped down on the bluestone road, and out of it came a man wearing a black veil on his head. Officials in scarlet robes.
Upon seeing Jia Heng, a smile suddenly appeared on the face of Guangzhou Magistrate Shi Shuliang. He led several staff and scribes and came quickly. He wiped the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief, then cupped his hands and said: "I will lower my official position to Guangzhou Magistrate Shi Shuliang. I’ve met Uncle Yongning.”
Jia Heng looked at Shi Shuliang and asked, "Prefect Shi, why don't you see Zhou Futai?"
In the history of the Chen and Han Dynasties, during the Taizong period in Guangdong, due to the coastal suppression of the remaining Ming forces, a governor of Guangdong and Guangdong was established, but he was soon removed.
At this moment, the highest civil servant in Guangdong is the right deputy censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate and the governor of Guangdong, Zhou Zao. He is stationed in Guangzhou City and has an office to supervise the officials of the three departments of Guangdong Bujiandu and also manages food and wages.
In addition to the Guangdong Dusi, there was also the Guangdong General who commanded the navy. The Wu family of the Guangdong General Wu Tao had a close relationship with the Jia family and had received favors from Duke Rong Guo in his early years.
In the original Dream of Red Mansions, the Wu family gave the Jia family a precious glass screen, which shows that the two families are family friends.
In addition, one of the Chief Secretary of Guangdong named Liu Xiaoyuan was a good friend of Lin Ruhai, and Jia Heng was carrying a letter from Lin Ruhai to Liu Xiaoyuan.
Shi Shuliang smiled and said, "Uncle Yongning, please forgive me. Mr. Zhongcheng has gone to Lianzhou for business these two days."
When Jia Heng heard this, he asked in surprise: "What a coincidence?"
He felt that Zhou Zao, the governor of Guangdong, seemed to be hiding away on purpose.
"Your Majesty has sent someone to inform the lords of the feudal clan. Uncle Yongning, please be patient." Shi Shuliang did not dare to answer, but said softly.
Jia Heng nodded, smiled and said: "Shifu Terrace, this is not the place to talk. How about we go to the Yamen to have a cup of tea first and then talk slowly?"
In Guangdong in October, the weather was still a bit hot and unbearable. The governor of Guangzhou Prefecture had beads of sweat the size of soybeans on his forehead and temples. Jia Heng stood there for a while, and his body was equally hot.
"Uncle Yongning, please." Shi Shuliang extended his hand to invite.
While talking, Jia Heng, surrounded by a group of Jinyi Tiqi, walked into the Guangzhou Qianhu Residence of Jinyi Mansion, and the two parties took their seats respectively.
Jia Heng picked up the tea cup, took a sip, looked at Shi Shuliang with cold eyes, and asked: "Shifutai must have read the official document. The purpose of my visit this time is to inspect the defense of the Guangdong Sea, and to specialize in Hao Hao." Mirror lease, the court is very concerned about this matter."
Shi Shuliang smiled and seemed a little reserved in front of Jia Heng, an important military minister, and said, "Uncle Yongning, what does the unknown court think of the Haojing lease?"
Jia Heng put down the tea cup and said: "Since the beginning of the Taizong Dynasty, Hongyi has been occupying Haojing for decades in the name of leasehold business. It has been fifteen years since the last leasehold. There should be an explanation for whether it is continued or discontinued, but Hongyi Whether the barbarians are at peace in Haojing, I still need to listen to the opinions of local officials in Guangzhou."
Hearing this, Shi Shuliang considered his words and said: "Uncle Yongning, I think that if the court wants to take back Hao Jing, it must be cautious. The Hongyi people in the land of Hao Jing have used boats and navy to traverse the sea. In recent years, they have also Many barbarians came from the country and settled here. On the other hand, the population of our Han people has been greatly reduced, and the land of Haojing is like a country within a country."
Jia Heng asked: "Have Guangdong mentioned the lease to Hongyi in recent years? Or have they regained Haojing and expelled Hongyi?"
When Shi Shuliang heard this, his face showed bitterness, and he said: "The Hongyi have been entrenched in the relevant area for decades. If the imperial court wants to regain it, it is afraid of having to fight a war. This matter..."
I originally thought that this matter was a big one and needed to be discussed by all the important ministers in the court, but suddenly I suddenly realized that the person in front of me was the military commander of the court.
"I wonder what the court's opinion is on this matter?" Shi Shuliang asked boldly.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "The imperial court is also studying Haojing Hongyi's attitude towards my big man and the need to renew the contract. However, it must also be expected that if the contract cannot be renewed, with the combat power of Guangzhou's navy, once the imperial court and There is a conflict between the Hongyi officials in Haojing, can the Guangdong Navy win this water war?"
Only by daring to fight can the war be stopped.
When Shi Shuliang heard this, his heart skipped a beat, and the sweat from his forehead flowed along his cheeks. He quickly took a handkerchief and wanted to wipe it but didn't dare. He hesitated and said: "This is a serious matter. I am not familiar with delicate matters. Is Yong Ning Bo and Zhou Your Excellency, Commander Wu and General Wu will discuss this matter together? I really don’t dare to speak nonsense.”
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "It won't be too late to discuss this matter when the governor of Guangdong, the commander-in-chief and the general of Guangdong arrive."
After thinking for a while, he looked at Jiao Ke, a member of Qianhusuo Qianhu in Jinyi, who was standing nearby. He was a middle-aged man with a burly figure and an imperial face. He was standing not far away, holding a knife, and said: "Send the Guangdong Prefecture to guard Zhouchuan." , the details of the navy soldiers and soldiers have been compiled into a book, I will check it personally later."
Jiao Ke quickly clasped his fists and said, "Yes, Commander."
Shi Shuliang was slightly startled as he listened to the conversation between the two.
While several people were talking, a guard in Jinyi strode out of the courtyard and said: "The governor, the chief envoy of the vassal Yamen, Mr. Miao, Mr. Liu who participated in the political affairs, Mr. Lu from the Yamen of Zhensi, the commander-in-chief of the Guangdong Province. Mr. Fang, come here and ask to see the Governor."
If Jia Heng was only the Commander-in-Chief of Imperial Guards, or just ordinary martial arts, these civil servants would obviously not come in groups. However, this is a military minister with the title of Crown Prince and Taibao, and he has a decisive role even in the civil service hierarchy. status.
Not to mention, he is also a close minister beside the emperor.
After a while, four officials in red robes, Miao Rui, the chief envoy of Guangdong, Liu Xiaoyuan, the political counselor, Lu Xian, the inspector general, and Fang Jun, the commander-in-chief, came to the courtyard. When they saw the young man in python clothes standing under the eaves of the corridor, they took a few steps quickly and held their hands in greeting. Said: "I have met Uncle Yongning."
Jia Heng returned the salute with his hands raised and called out: "My lords, you have come just in time. Come into the official hall to talk."
A group of officials exchanged greetings with Jia Heng and sat down one after another. Everyone looked at the young man in the python suit.
Jia Heng said: "My lords, my purpose of coming has just been explained to Lord Shi. In addition to patrolling the coastal defense, I also want to go to Haojing on business. All of you are local officials in Guangzhou and know the situation in Haojing very well. In the past few days, I hope that my suggestions will be helpful to the imperial court's plans. I will definitely inform the emperor and ask for your commendation."
"Don't dare, don't dare." A group of Guangdong officials said politely, their hearts moving slightly.
At this time, Shi Shuliang smiled and said: "My lords, it's getting late, it's almost noon, why don't we have lunch together before talking about anything else?"
Among the officials, the prefect of Guangzhou was the lowest-ranking one, and he was responsible for handling the reception of Jia Heng.
With that said, he looked at Jia Heng and invited with a smile: "Uncle Yong Ning, I have hosted a small banquet at Shuiyunxuan, the largest restaurant in the city, and I would like to invite all of you to come and have a chat."
While everyone was talking, they headed to Shuiyunxuan Restaurant.
On the second floor, in the private room, you can enjoy the wine for three rounds and the dishes for five tastes.
At this time, Miao Rui, the chief envoy of Guangdong, put down his wine cup and asked: "Uncle Yongning, please forgive me for my stupidity. Now Governor Hongyi of Haojing has written to the Guangzhou Yamen, requesting the renewal of the lease during Taizong's reign. I don't know how to negotiate." I've been here several times, but the military and military aircraft of the imperial court and government offices have failed to respond. I don't know what the purpose of the capital is?"
Jia Heng said: "The ministers in Beijing are still discussing this matter, and I am here to investigate this matter under the emperor's order."
As he said that, he looked at the Commander-in-Chief Fang Jun who was not far away. He was a gray-haired veteran who was over fifty years old. After drinking two glasses of wine, his beard and hair were spread out. His face was flushed, and he was obviously a little embarrassed.
"Commander Fangdu, Hongyi is in Haojing now. How many troops do he have and how many ships do he have?" Jia Heng asked in a deep voice.
Fang Jun looked solemn and said in a low voice: "The Hongyi Navy has about two thousand people. There are not many ships, but most of them are sea-going ships, and the firearms are far superior to those of our Guangdong Navy."
Jia Heng said: "The people of Hongyi came from afar, and their firearms are more powerful than my navy?"
Fang Jun's heart moved slightly and he asked tentatively: "Sir, is the imperial court going to start a war with those Hongyi people?"
Jia Heng muttered: "The war is not a trivial matter, but the Guangdong side has to be prepared in the face of the overwhelming force of the red barbarians. Recently, the Donglu went south, intending to contact the pirates and harass our Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang prefectures and counties. Guangdong You should be on guard."
With that said, he looked at Guangdong Commander Fang Jun and asked: "Commander Fang, Guangdong's navy and infantry should step up their training."
Fang Jun said: "I obey the order, but the Navy's training is always in charge of General Guangdong."
Jia Heng asked: "I will ask General Wu. Why is General Wu not in the city?"
"General Wu went to the Guangdong Navy to supervise the training." Fang Jun's eyes flashed and he whispered.
Perhaps the arrival of Jia Heng, the military minister who was famous for his ability to organize the army, made Wu Tao, the Guangdong general who commanded the navy, feel a little uneasy, so he went to the navy camp in the past few days.
Seeing this, Jia Heng secretly remembered what to do next time and said no more.
During the dinner, I glanced at Liu Xiaoyuan, a political participant in Guangdong with an elegant face and a silent smile, but he did not immediately take out Lin Ruhai's letter.
After Jia Heng had lunch in the company of Guangzhou officials, he came to rest in a mansion prepared by Jiao Ke of Jinyi Qianhu in Guangzhou. Chen Xiao sat aside, holding a purple clay pot, pouring a cup of tea and drinking it gently. .
Jia Heng sat down, picked up the book that recorded the resumes and social relationships of Guangdong officials delivered by Guangzhou Qianhu, flipped through it, and asked: "Xiaoxiao, ask them to prepare some hot water, and you can take a bath later. It looked very dusty along the way.”
At this moment, Chen Xiao was wiping the sweat from his cheeks and temples with a handkerchief, and said in a clear voice: "It seems that the local officials in Guangzhou do not welcome your arrival."
Jia Heng put down the book in his hand and said, "No one wants to have multiple mothers-in-law on their head."
"You just announced the war in front of the Guangzhou magistrate. Was it for the Hongyi people?" Chen Xiao lowered his voice and asked Jia Heng, passing a glass of water.
Jia Heng took the teacup, raised his eyes to look at the girl, smiled and said: "Xiaoxiao is becoming more and more intelligent now. She can be good in the hall and in the kitchen. She is a good wife."
The girl can now not only act as a confidential secretary, but also cook and make suggestions by his side.
When Chen Xiao heard this, his clear eyes under his willow eyebrows narrowed, and the words "hall" and "kitchen" were circling in his mind. A hint of ridicule appeared at the corner of his mouth: "I won't sew autumn clothes for you."
Jia Heng: "..."
After peeking and eavesdropping in the dark, he would come over and choke him at every turn.
One day he must choke back.
Jia Heng said, and said in deep thought: "When I came to Guangzhou, the officials in Guangzhou were worried about the earthquake in the officialdom and paid close attention all the way. I think there were also red barbarians watching when I came to Guangzhou. Once my words at the table were spread, the red barbarians would take care of themselves. If you have any doubts, when the Guangdong Navy is training its troops in a big way to prepare for war, the Hongyi side will send envoys to Guangzhou City to negotiate."
Previously, he sent officials from Jinyi Mansion and Ordnance Supervision to Haojing for inspection. When the purpose of their visit was leaked, he actually let Hongyi from Haojing take the initiative.
"The Guangdong Navy Division has been out of battle formation for a long time and is incompetent. It may not be able to defeat the Hongyi. These Hongyi naturally know this." Chen Xiao reminded with a solemn expression.
Jia Heng said: "No matter how weak the Guangdong navy's combat power is, Hongyi is in our country and relies on our country for military supplies. If it cannot attack across the sea, it will have to be forced to the negotiation table."
Thinking of the Guangdong Navy, I couldn't help but think of the Guangdong General Wu Tao. If I didn't come to greet him at this time, why would I go to the water village?
When Jia Heng mentioned this, he frowned and said, "The general of Guangdong went to the navy camp and the governor of Guangdong. It seems that the two of them have made an appointment."
At this moment, a guard in Jinyi came from outside the corridor eaves, clasped his fists and said: "Captain, General Wu Tao of Guangdong is going to the flower hall to meet you."
Jia Heng's expression paused slightly and he looked at Chen Xiao.
This Wu Tao, what kind of medicine is sold in the gourd?
Jia Heng and Chen Xiao came to the front hall and happened to see a middle-aged military officer in his thirties, with a rich body and a fair complexion, sitting on a nanmu chair and sipping fragrant tea.
"I have met Uncle Yongning in my humble position." Hearing the sound of footsteps, Wu Tao suddenly jumped up from his chair as if there were bullets under his buttocks, bowed his hands towards Jia Heng, and said respectfully.
Jia Heng extended his hand to support him and said, "General Wu, no need to be polite, please sit down."
A warm smile appeared on Wu Tao's chubby face and he said: "When I came back from the naval camp, I was very happy to hear that Uncle Yong Ning came to Guangzhou. I wonder how the old lady is doing in Beijing?"
"I just arrived." Jia Heng nodded and said, "The old lady has always been in good health."
The two of them exchanged pleasantries and got down to business.
Jia Heng put down the teacup in his hand and asked, "General Wu has been to the naval camp to inspect ships and soldiers in the past few days. What is the unknown situation?"
Wu Tao hesitated for a moment, and finally chose to tell the truth, saying: "There are currently twenty-six lucky ships, eighty-one warships with four hundred materials, ninety-eight patrol ships with four hundred materials, and sailors and infantry. Around thirty-five thousand.”
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and then said thoughtfully: "According to the regulations of the Fifth Army Commander's Office, the Guangdong Navy should have 48 blessing ships, 132 warships with 400 materials, and 153 patrol ships with 400 materials. There are 50,000 ships and a navy of 50,000. Today’s warships and troops..."
Wu Tao said quickly: "That was the situation in the fifteenth year of Longzhi. Thirty years later, the boat navy has long lost its old outlook. In addition, the money allocated from the Guangdong Dusi is only 600,000 taels per year, and these In addition to the money needed to pay the soldiers, there was not much money left to repair the warships. In the past, when the Guangzhou Ship Lifting Department was still there, the Ministry of Revenue could still allocate some at the request of the Guangdong Dusi, but now during the maritime ban, Zhang Shichi , the Shibo Tiju Department has also been abandoned."
Jia Heng looked calm, thinking about what Wu Tao said.
His reorganization of the camp in Jiangnan and Jiangbei had probably reached the ears of Guangdong General Wu Tao, so the purpose of hurriedly heading to the navy camp was self-evident, and he hurriedly packed up his affairs.
However, this trip to the Guangdong Sea was not to rectify the Guangdong Navy, but to negotiate with the Portuguese in order to obtain relevant manufacturing techniques for firearms and artillery.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and asked: "I don't pay attention to these past events. How many battle-worthy warships and sailors can the Guangdong Navy deploy now?"
This is what he really cares about.
Wu Tao, the Guangdong general, heard this, his heart moved slightly, and he said in a deep voice: "Uncle Yongning, there are 12,000 naval troops, 65 warships, and 53 patrol ships that can go out now, and they are ready to go at any time. "
Jia Heng frowned and said thoughtfully: "Why are there so few?"
Looking at the young man with an unhappy expression, Wu Tao felt uneasy.
It can be said that after the reorganization of the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, the officials of the Guangdong Dusi and the Navy system were all in a state of silence about the upcoming military affairs reorganization.
Wu Tao said: "I dare not deceive Uncle Yongning. There are only so many people now. However, if we need sailors, we can recruit them from the fishermen. As long as the cannons and muskets are ready, the infantry can still board the ship and fight."
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, with a solemn expression on his face, and said: "General Wu, tomorrow I will go to the Navy camp to inspect the relevant Navy soldiers."
Wu Tao's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly responded in a low voice. He looked at the frosty-faced young man and asked tentatively: "Uncle Yong Ning, is the imperial court going to take back Hao Jing?"
Jia Heng said: "This matter has not been determined yet, but the navy is preparing for war and coordinating Hao Jing. It can be considered a precautionary measure."
Wu Tao said quickly: "That's natural."
But with the combat power of the Guangdong Navy, if they fight Hongyi, it will be a hard battle.
Jia Heng chatted with Wu Tao for a while and asked about the situation of the Guangdong Navy.
After Wu Tao left, Jia Heng put down the teacup in his hand, looked at Chen Xiao and said, "The Guangdong Navy is not optimistic either."
Even if they were negotiating with the Portuguese governor of Haojing, Bugalu, the navy in the Guangdong Sea had to maintain a certain degree of threat in order to force the Portuguese to compromise.
Chen Xiao said: "From the frontier army to the Beijing camp, and then to the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, you can get a glimpse of the whole picture. Because of the sailing, the navy on the Guangdong Sea will not be as vulnerable as the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, but they want to wipe out the Red Army. Yi, I’m afraid it won’t be easy either.”
