"Recruit me!"
"nonsense!"
Xiong Wencan glared at Zheng Zhilong angrily: "I'm asking you, why should I recruit you? Why not someone else?"
Zheng Zhilong was stunned and thought about it carefully. Combining Zhu Yu's content, he understood it instantly.
"My lord, what you mean is that your Majesty is interested in the power of the warship in my hands?"
"Or maybe they are interested in my ability to do business in Fusang and speak multiple languages. When the sea ban is lifted in the future, let me lead a team to do business, just like Zheng He did?"
"Are you even saying that you are interested in my ability to command the navy?"
"Although the imperial court now controls a certain amount of power, the navy's power is gradually weakening. Otherwise, the Japanese pirates would not have been so arrogant. After General Qi's death, there would be fewer generals along the coast."
"Now the Japanese pirates are secretly waiting around, the Dutch East India Company is ready to take action, and the Ming Dynasty is in urgent need of a navy that can be directly drawn out to fight.
And I have a high prestige among the people in Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and other areas of Fujian Province. If I come forward to recruit fishermen, they will be better than the current navy of the imperial court with a little training. "
…
Listening to Zheng Zhilong's murmur, Xiong Wencan's eyes were full of approval while drinking tea.
At the age of twenty-four, he could pull up a fleet of 700 ships and compete with the Dutch army stationed in Penghu. In terms of wisdom and ability, he was extremely outstanding among his age.
What is commendable is that although this man is called a 'pirate', he is extremely generous to the people around his hometown.
In the past two years, there has been a drought in southern Fujian. The red soil has spread all over the fields, and the bark and grass roots have been eaten up. The court is unable to provide relief. However, Zheng Zhilong gave three taels of silver and an ox to three people, and shipped them to Taiwan to reclaim wasteland and settle down, thus relieving the disaster in southern Fujian. .
It can be said that Zheng Zhilong's words are definitely more effective than the government's words.
The reason why he came to Zheng Zhilong to help him find a solution was because of his ability to recommend and recognize people.
The second is that I can’t bear to lose this person’s talent to the world.
Third, if Zheng Zhilong can be recruited, it will definitely be a great help to the stability of Fujian's coastal areas. This can be regarded as his achievement during his tenure.
"Official officer, you have many advantages, such as doing business, commanding the navy, the warships in your hands, etc., and these are what His Majesty needs.
Even though the situation is better now, it is still urgently needed. This is the bargaining chip between you and His Majesty... it depends on what you say! "
"Sir, as long as I can see your Majesty, I can certainly convince you, but the problem is that I may not be able to see your majesty now!"
Zheng Zhilong said, suddenly looking at Xiong Wencan: "Sir, do you mean to recommend it to me?"
"You still need my recommendation?"
Xiong Wencan put down his tea cup and laughed loudly: "Let's go, follow me out to meet a few people, and you will understand!"
A moment later, Xiong Wencan and Zheng Zhilong, who looked puzzled, stood at the gate of the county government office, looking at the endless crowd: "Brothers of Jinyiwei, please come to the county government office to talk!"
The sudden sound attracted the people who were discussing in front of the notice wall.
In a restaurant not far away, a table of five people facing the street suddenly became confused when they heard the shouts at the yamen door. Shouldn't they avoid them? Why did you let them out?
"Master Baihu, are you going or not?"
"Since you've invited me, let's go and see what kind of medicine the governor is selling."
A moment later, the Jinyiwei guards in casual clothes arrived at the gate of the county government office: "Cheng Mingyang, from the 100th household of Jinyiwei, has met the governor."
Xiong Wencan nodded, looked at Zheng Zhilong, and said jokingly: "What am I talking about? As long as you leave Nan'an City, Cheng Baihu will lead people to find you.
It's best if you take the initiative. If not, I'll take you to the capital. You don't think His Majesty really can't find you, do you? "
"My lord is joking!"
Cheng Mingyang smiled sarcastically.
They were really prepared to do this. There were at least a hundred Jinyi guards waiting for Zheng Zhilong in Nan'an County, Quanzhou, and Zhangzhou. He never expected to be waited for by a few of them.
"I don't know what the governor is talking about?"
"Aren't you looking for Zheng Zhilong? He is back now. I had a chat with him. He has now figured it out and wants to go to Beijing to see His Majesty. You can take him there!"
"Thank you..."
"No, no one can take Yiguan away!"
Before Jin Yiwei Baihu Cheng Mingyang finished thanking him, an angry voice sounded, interrupting his words.
Without waiting for his reaction, the people who read the notice gathered around him.
"Folks, the imperial court wants to take away an official after he has done so much for us. This is absolutely not allowed!"
"Yes, Yiguan is a good person. There has been a severe drought in the past few years. If it weren't for Yiguan, we would have starved to death!"
"They gave us money, cattle, and helped us open up wasteland. The court didn't care about us that much. Even if the king of heaven came today, he couldn't take away an official!"
"Yes, we will fight whoever dares to take him away."
"Everyone knows what the Jin Yiwei is. Once you enter the Jin Yiwei's prison, you will have to shed your skin even if you don't die. We must not let an official suffer this crime!"
"Sir Governor, if it hadn't been for the help of an official, tens of thousands of people in southern Fujian would have starved to death, and you would have been beheaded by the court. Is this how you treat your benefactor?"
"Hmph, officials protecting each other are not good things, they are ungrateful guys."
"Folks, pick up your poles and hoes and fight with these royal guards to cover the escape of an officer!"
…
For a time, the people in the entire county government office were furious, and the poles, hoes, and vegetable baskets were smashed.
The faces of the Jinyi guards were full of embarrassment, and their foreheads were covered with cold sweat.
Zheng Zhilong was discovered by them just after he entered Nan'an County. He originally wanted to arrest him, but was stopped by Baihu.
Judging from the situation, if they had dared to take action just now, the body would have been cold by now.
Xiong Wencan also had a wry smile on his face. He was scolded for doing good deeds.
Zheng Zhilong was moved to tears as he looked at the people who were pouring in from all over.
He never thought of repaying his efforts, but the people remembered his kindness and were willing to fight against the court for him.
"I must join the imperial court, become a military general, and protect the people!"
Zheng Zhilong made an instant decision and had a clear understanding of his future direction.
"First officer, don't be stunned and explain a few words quickly, otherwise there will really be a problem!"
After being awakened by Xiong Wencan's voice, Zheng Zhilong came back to his senses.
At this moment, at least two to three hundred people gathered in front of the county government office, and everyone gritted their teeth and looked at the Jin Yiwei and Xiong Wencan.
Several government officials in front of the county government office turned around and looked inside the county government office, as if they didn't hear the noise outside.
"Fathers and fellow villagers, please be quiet and listen to what I have to say!"
Zheng Zhilong walked to the front and blocked Jin Yiwei from behind: "Everyone, listen to what I have to say!"
"Everyone has misunderstood the Jinyiwei and the governor. The Jinyiwei came to take me to Beijing on His Majesty's order."
