As the time approaches July, the weather is gradually getting hotter.
Zhejiang, Zhejiang Governor's Mansion, in the study.
In the early morning, Hu Zongxian was sitting behind the desk, browsing the newspapers that he had sent someone to buy from the street not long ago.
"Well, the newspapers published by the imperial court are much more interesting than the Di Bao. They are perfect for passing the trivial time!"
Hu Zongxian sighed with emotion, then picked up the teacup on the side and took a sip.
About a month ago, several officials claiming to be the Information Agency suddenly appeared and came to the Governor's Mansion to visit Hu Zongxian. They said that at the request of His Majesty, an organization called the Information Agency would be opened in Hangzhou to sell newspapers.
After Hu Zongxian learned in detail from those officials what a newspaper was, he readily agreed to their proposal.
After more than a month of preparations, the local press office in Hangzhou was officially established, and Hu Zongxian also asked someone to buy two issues of a newspaper called Daming Daily published by the imperial court.
"It is said that this thing called a newspaper is quite popular in the capital. I don't know if it is true?"
The newspapers sold locally in Hangzhou are naturally divided into two categories, one is specifically targeted at officials and gentry, and the other is specifically targeted at ordinary people.
Hu Zongxian once read a newspaper for ordinary people. He found that there were no words at all in newspapers for ordinary people. Most of the contents were composed of various illustrations. See It's quite interesting to go up.
This new thing called newspapers, as soon as it came out in Hangzhou, was greatly welcomed by wealthy gentry, officials and gentry, as well as ordinary people.
Especially when the officials and gentry learned that this thing called newspapers was quite popular in the capital, things got out of hand.
Perhaps it was to catch up with the trend, or for other reasons. In short, many gentry officials fell into fanaticism and even spent a lot of money to buy a large number of newspapers.
For those officials and gentry, buying newspapers can not only highlight their status, but also have common topics with officials in the capital, which will definitely help their future career.
The thoughts of ordinary people buying newspapers are much simpler than those of officials and gentry, because the price of a newspaper is less than a penny.
You only need to pay a penny to gain long-lasting happiness. This is simply one of the few comforts in a boring life.
'Dong dong dong——'
While Hu Zongxian was immersed in the contents of the newspaper, he heard a knock on the door.
Seeing this situation, Hu Zongxian reluctantly looked away from the newspaper and gave instructions.
"Come in!"
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and a subordinate staff member walked in and reported respectfully.
"Your Majesty the Governor, according to your instructions, the Chief Envoy and others are already waiting in the meeting hall!"
"Well, I know, please go down!"
After hearing the report from the subordinate official, Hu Zongxian nodded and gave the order.
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After the subordinate responded, he immediately turned around and left the study.
The reason why Hu Zongxian summoned everyone to the meeting hall was because, as the governor of Zhejiang Province and the governor of Zhejiang Province, he had the obligation to read out the imperial edict to his officials, including the proclamation against thieves.
Shortly after the subordinate official left, Hu Zongxian walked towards the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion with steady steps.
…
In the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion, before Hu Zongxian arrived, many officials such as Zheng Michang, He Maocai, Qi Jiguang, Ma Ningyuan, and Gao Hanwen chatted about gossip. The topics mainly revolved around the recent issues in Hangzhou. Two issues of the newspaper.
"Have you read the recently released newspaper? It records in detail the whole process of how Yang Xuan, the governor of Jiliao, captured the Tatar Khan alive!"
Zheng Michang looked around and said excitedly.
"Old Zheng, I remember that seems to be the content of the first issue. It is really exciting. I can't wait to go into battle to kill the enemy myself!"
He Maocai on the side heard Zheng Michang's words, and his face was full of excitement. He clenched his fists and spoke in agreement.
"The contents of the second issue of the newspaper are also shocking. I didn't expect that the imperial court would issue an edict to abolish the contemporary Yan Shenggong. This is an unheard-of event in all dynasties. I didn't expect that it would happen like this!"
Gao Hanwen on the side heard the words and followed suit.
Just as everyone was having a heated discussion on this topic, Hu Zongxian entered the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion with steady steps.
When everyone saw this situation, they immediately stopped talking about it, stood up from their seats, and saluted Hu Zongxian respectfully.
"I've met the Governor!"
"Um."
When Hu Zongxian heard this, he responded in a subtle way, and immediately sat down on the main seat.
Then, Hu Zongxian waved his hand, glanced at everyone present, and gave instructions.
"Well, everyone, sit down!"
After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, everyone present sat back in their seats.
Seeing that everyone had already arrived, Hu Zongxian organized his words in his mind, then looked at the crowd and said in a deep voice.
"The reason why I summoned everyone here today is to read out the imperial decree to you. Come and bring me the document to punish the thief!"
"What are you asking for?"
When everyone heard what Hu Zongxian said, their faces suddenly showed shock.
Then, as if something suddenly occurred to him, Qi Jiguang mustered up the courage, stood up from his seat, and cautiously confirmed to Hu Zongxian: "Your Majesty, the Governor-General, is it possible that the thief-calling letter is..."
After hearing this, Hu Zongxian raised his head, looked at Qi Jiguang, and then explained.
"Well, you guessed it right. Not long ago, the imperial court officially issued a proclamation to punish thieves. Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, commanded an army of 130,000, and officially sent troops to Bozhou on the pretext of suppressing the rebellion!"
"What, the imperial court actually dispatched 130,000 troops!"
Zheng Michang, who was originally relatively calm, learned from Hu Zongxian that the imperial court actually dispatched 130,000 troops, his face was full of horror, and he couldn't help but lost his voice.
Yu Dayou, who was not far away, was also shocked after learning the news.
After all, when the imperial court was exterminating the Japanese pirates, it did not dispatch so many troops. This shows that the imperial court must have made great determination this time!
Later, I saw Hu Zongxian taking the thief-defeating document from his subordinates, facing everyone's extraordinarily puzzled eyes, and explaining it unhurriedly.
"Actually, it was expected that the imperial court would send troops to suppress those chieftains who were just trying to make a move!"
"For a long time, the chieftains in the southwest have been restless. Wars often broke out between them, causing the people to suffer from wars. Although they nominally obeyed the jurisdiction of the Ming Dynasty, in fact, they had nothing to do with the Han Dynasty. The vassal states are no different, just like a state within a state!"
"Those chieftains were not only able to appoint officials independently, but they were also able to collect taxes at will from the local people."
When Hu Zongxian said this, he paused for a moment and then added.
"The most important thing is that those chieftains also have their own army. They are often in a state of disobedience to my Ming Dynasty!"
"In the past, the imperial court couldn't spare any time to deal with those group of chieftains, because not only was the imperial treasury empty, but there were also powerful enemies watching!"
"Now, the national treasury is abundant, the Japanese pirates have been wiped out, and even the Tatars who came to invade our Ming Dynasty were defeated and returned. The court has no worries and can naturally concentrate on dealing with these chieftains. Got it!"
After listening to Hu Zongxian's explanation, everyone was deeply convinced.
Then, Ma Ningyuan stood up and asked Hu Zongxian after thinking about it for a long time.
"Teacher, why did the imperial court assign such an important task to Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang? Logically speaking, Feng Yue is a civil servant. Things like marching and fighting should not be left to..."
When Hu Zongxian heard this, he glanced at Ma Ningyuan, then faced the crowd and explained.
"Although Feng Yue was a civil servant, he was very organized in marching and fighting. He once personally led troops to suppress Bozhou's Xuan comfort envoy Yang Lie, and Guizhou's Xuan comfort envoy An Waquan because of the fight for shisha and Tianwang area. And the war happened!”
"What's more, Feng Yue is the governor of Huguang and has long been the governor of Huguang and Chuangui's military affairs. No one knows the chieftains in the southwest better than him!"
"Your Majesty is indeed very discerning. There is no one in the court who is more suitable to command this army than Feng Yue!"
Hu Zongxian sighed with emotion, and immediately looked away, picked up the teacup on the side and took a sip.
After listening to Hu Zongxian's explanation, Qi Jiguang immediately asked a question that had troubled him for a long time.
"My Lord Governor, in your opinion, what is the chance of victory when the imperial court sends troops to invade the state?"
As soon as Qi Jiguang finished speaking, Hu Zongxian asked the answer to the question without even thinking about it.
"Ten percent!"
"What, ten percent!"
The answer given by Hu Zongxian was obviously beyond Qi Jiguang's expectations, because before this, his estimated winning rate was about 60 to 70%.
After all, the terrain of Bozhou is difficult, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and because it is close to the waterway, goods often pass through Bozhou, so the local area is very wealthy, and the Yang family of Bozhou has been operating in the local area for hundreds of years, and its power can be said to be ingrained.
In Qi Jiguang's view, Yang Lie could definitely adopt a strategy of avoiding fighting. After all, the amount of food and supplies that the imperial army could carry was always limited, and Yang Lie had the entire Bozhou on his back, and the Miao soldiers under his command , supplies can be obtained at any time.
Just fight a protracted war like this, and when the imperial army's supplies are exhausted, they will naturally retreat.
Hu Zongxian seemed to have seen what Qi Jiguang was thinking. After organizing the words in his mind, he immediately asked with a smile.
"Qi Jiguang, are you thinking that Yang Lie can completely avoid fighting?"
Seeing that his thoughts were revealed by Hu Zongxian, Qi Jiguang lowered his head and said respectfully.
"Yes, Lord Governor, this is what I think!"
Seeing this situation, Hu Zongxian took his eyes away from Qi Jiguang and explained instead.
"No, this is not possible. Once Yang Lie chooses the strategy of avoiding fighting, he will soon be crushed by the pressure from within!"
"Don't forget, what crime was the court charging him with?"
When Qi Jiguang heard Hu Zongxian's words, his pupils suddenly shrank, a look of sudden realization suddenly appeared on his face, and he said slowly.
"It's...a deliberate rebellion!"
"Yes, that's right, it was deliberate rebellion! Qi Jiguang, do you know how the Ming Dynasty Law deals with the crime of rebellion?"
Hu Zongxian took in the expression on Qi Jiguang's face, nodded, and asked.
As soon as Hu Zongxian finished speaking, the terms of the Ming Dynasty Code appeared in Qi Jiguang's mind unconsciously.
"Any treason or serious treason, but those who are complicit in the conspiracy will be executed without distinction of leader or subordinate. Grandfathers, fathers, sons, grandsons, brothers and people who live together will not be distinguished by different surnames, uncles, and brothers' sons, regardless of the same or different nationalities. If you are over 16 years old, regardless of whether you are seriously ill or disabled, you will be killed!"
Then, Qi Jiguang came back to his senses, his face was full of excitement, and he said in a deep voice.
"My Lord Governor, I understand what you mean. What you mean is that as long as Yang Lie chooses to avoid fighting, those who are worried about being implicated will find ways to show their loyalty to the court, and their internal affairs will soon fall apart. !”
"And once Yang Lie can no longer bear the pressure and chooses to send troops to fight, the Miao soldiers under Yang Lie's command will be extremely different from the imperial army in terms of fighting will, weapons and equipment, or fighting skills!"
"The imperial army is firmly in the right place at the right time and with the right people. Therefore, once the two sides start a war, the Miao soldiers will soon be defeated. Once the Miao soldiers are defeated, Yang Lie's end will be near!"
After listening to Qi Jiguang's analysis, Hu Zongxian, who was sitting in the main seat, nodded with satisfaction.
In his opinion, with Qi Jiguang's performance, he is fully qualified to be a handsome man!
"When I go to the capital to take up a post in the future and become the Pavilion Elder, I must strongly recommend this person to His Majesty!"
Later, Hu Zongxian saw that the topic was getting further and further away. After coughing twice, he faced everyone and said in a deep voice.
"Ahem, I will now read out to you the imperial court's proclamation against thieves!"
"Since ancient times, emperors have ruled the world. They have always lived in China to control the barbarians, and the barbarians have lived outside to serve China. It is unheard of to say that the barbarians live in China and control the world!"
"The Yang family of Bozhou respected thieves, trusted traitors, killed the loyal, exploited the people, increased wealth and tax, so that the people wept in the market, the dead were exposed, and the living fled..."
Hu Zongxian breathed a sigh of relief when the last word of his appeal against thieves fell. Immediately, he summoned his subordinates and took away his appeal against thieves.
After that, Hu Zongxian glanced at the many officials present and said slowly.
"Alright, I have finished reading out the memorandum to punish thieves. If nothing else happens, let's all leave!"
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
Seeing this, many officials in the room stood up from their seats and saluted Hu Zongxian respectfully.
Just as everyone was leaving one after another, Hu Zongxian seemed to suddenly remember something. He stopped Zheng Michang and asked instead.
"By the way, how are the mulberry seedlings growing now?"
When Zheng Michang heard this, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and reported respectfully.
"Mr. Governor, the current growth of mulberry seedlings is very gratifying, and the mulberry seedlings in some places are even mature!"
"According to Xiaguan's estimation, all the local mulberry seedlings in Zhejiang should be mature by mid-August at the latest!"
After Hu Zongxian learned the news from Zheng Michang, a look of disappointment appeared on his face.
Then, Qi Qiu nodded and murmured to himself.
"It's the middle of August, there's only one month left!"
Zheng Michang felt very uncomfortable when he heard Hu Zongxian's words. After all, according to the current situation, Hu Zongxian will go to the capital in another month to take up a post. At that time, the person who will come to Zhejiang to take over Hu Zongxian's position will be the supervisory censor Zhao Zhenji.
Although Zheng Michang had briefly worked with Zhao Zhenji for a period of time before, he even suppressed those troublemaking salt merchants under his instruction!
But in the final analysis, Zhao Zhenji is not "one of our own", and no one knows what he will do after he succeeds as the governor-general of Zhejiang and governor of Zhejiang.
After all, after all, Hu Zongxian was also a student of Mr. Yan Ge. He was an upright and unquestionably "one of our own". When working under Hu Zongxian, he didn't need to worry too much.
Moreover, in Zheng Michang's view, Zhao Zhenji was born in the Inspectorate, and no one could figure out his temper.
"Oh, let's take it one step at a time!"
Zheng Michang thought so, and a hint of sadness suddenly flashed in his eyes.
Later, Hu Zongxian also came to his senses, waved his hand, and gave the order.
"Okay, that's it, I still have important things to deal with next!"
"Yes, Lord Governor, I will resign immediately!"
After Zheng Michang heard Hu Zongxian's words, he bowed his hand to him and immediately left the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion.
After Zheng Michang left the Governor's Mansion, he suddenly discovered that He Maocai was waiting for him at the door of the Governor's Mansion.
When He Maocai saw Zheng Michang coming out, he immediately stepped forward and asked curiously.
"Old Zheng, what question did the Governor ask you just now?"
When Zheng Michang heard this, he had no intention of hiding it. He just sighed helplessly and said slowly.
"Hey, the Governor asked about the growth of the mulberry seedlings!"
When He Maocai saw this situation, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on his face, and he immediately spoke.
"Well, the local mulberry seedlings in Zhejiang will be fully mature in another month. When the mulberry seedlings mature, the Governor will go to the capital to take up a post. What will we do then?"
"You know, Zhao Zhenji, who succeeded the Governor, came from the Inspectorate!"
When He Maocai said this, he looked worried.
"Oh, when the time comes, we can only take one step at a time!"
"yes!"
…
After everyone left the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion, Hu Zongxian also returned to the study and began to process the official documents that were sent.
Since Hu Zongxian has completed the handover work before, there are very few official documents that need to be handled by him personally.
Soon, Hu Zongxian finished processing the official documents, and then he walked out of the study and went straight to the lounge chair in the yard to lie down.
Hu Zongxian felt that the purpose of the imperial court's sending troops to conquer the state in the name of quelling the rebellion should be far more simple than it seemed on the surface.
In his view, the imperial court's dispatch of troops was not just to frighten the chieftains who were ready to make a move, but had a bigger purpose.
Hu Zongxian guessed that the imperial court should take advantage of the opportunity of suppressing the Yang family in Bozhou to implement the policy of reforming the native land and returning it to the locals in the southwest!
After all, now is a great opportunity to free up your hands and deal with the unstable factors in the country!
At present, the Ming Dynasty's treasury is abundant, its soldiers are well-prepared, and there are no strong enemies watching around. Choosing this time to attack the chieftains in the southwest is the best time.
Although Hu Zongxian had speculation in this regard, he lacked relevant evidence to support his idea, so he had to suppress it temporarily.
"Well, when I go to the capital, I'd better ask the teacher about this situation!"
Hu Zongxian thought so and immediately made up his mind.
At this moment, a subordinate official hurriedly ran to Hu Zongxian, leaned down and reported respectfully.
"Reporting to the Governor, the Governor is outside asking for an audience!"
"Well, I know, let him come in!"
Hu Zongxian was not surprised at all by this news, because recently, Liu Mi, the governor of Jinyiwei, often came to him to fish.
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After hearing what Hu Zongxian said, the subordinate official quickly took the order and left.
After the subordinate official left, Hu Zongxian turned his eyes to the personal guard aside and gave instructions in a deep voice.
"Go and get my fishing rod, fishing basket, and raincoat right away!"
"As you command, my lord!"
The personal guard was already used to this. After responding respectfully, he immediately walked away.
Not long after, I saw Liu Mi, the envoy of Jin Yiwei, wearing a bamboo hat and coir raincoat, dressed like a fisherman.
Behind him, there were two Jinyi guards in flying fish uniforms. In their hands, they also held bamboo fishing rods and woven fish baskets.
Later, Liu Mi came to Hu Zongxian's side and said respectfully.
"I've met the Governor!"
When Hu Zongxian heard this, he just glanced at Liu Mi and ignored him.
Not long after, the personal guard who had taken the order returned to the courtyard and came to Hu Zongxian's side.
When he came back, he had fishing rods, fishing baskets, coir raincoats and bamboo hats in his hands, among other items needed for fishing.
Hu Zongxian glanced at Liu Mi and immediately asked.
"Okay, where should we go fishing today?"
"Come with me. Recently, I asked about another place. It is said that there are many fish there and it is easy to catch them!"
Later, Hu Zongxian was seen wearing a raincoat and a bamboo hat. Under the protection of several personal guards, he followed Liu Mi and two royal guards and left the Governor's Mansion.
Since the distance was not very far, Liu Mi and Hu Zongxian chose to walk there.
On the way, Liu Mi stopped, looked at Hu Zongxian aside, and took the lead in provoking the topic.
"Remember that Makoto Tsunoda?"
"Of course I remember, not long ago, didn't you say that with the support of my Ming Dynasty, that Makoto Tsunoda recruited a large number of wandering samurai, successfully established a foothold in the Miyazaki area of Kyushu, Japan, and became the most powerful force in the area in one fell swoop, it is difficult to Could it be that something happened?"
When Hu Zongxian heard what Liu Mi said, doubt appeared on his face and he asked.
When Liu Mi heard Hu Zongxian's words, he shook his head and explained.
"It's not like anything big happened. It's just that Makoto Tsunoda seems to be feared by the big names around him because he rose too fast."
"Those daimyo gathered more than 8,000 troops to besiege Tsunoda Makoto, but the armies of those daimyo were too weak, and they had evil intentions with each other."
"Even if they unite, they can only fight to a draw with the army under Makoto Tsunoda. Therefore, the situation has reached a stalemate, and no one can do anything to anyone!"
"Not long ago, Makoto Tsunoda asked me, Daming, in a letter to give him more support!"
When Hu Zongxian heard this, he raised his eyebrows, looked away from Liu Mi, and turned to ask.
"Oh, what do you think?"
"I plan to report this matter to His Majesty truthfully!"
After Liu Mi heard Hu Zongxian's words, he looked at the scenery in the distance and spoke unhurriedly.
"Well, that's good too!"
After hearing this, Hu Zongxian nodded slightly and expressed his support for Liu Mi's idea. (End of chapter)
