The rushing river took away the corpses of the soldiers, the wreckage of the burning ship was only a pitch-black mass, and in the distance there were still pillars of smoke rising in Zhenjiang City, and various Jianzhou flags were waving in the wind on both sides.

The rolling Yangtze River once again witnessed the change of dynasty and the change of ownership.

On the top of the Melville mast, the long flag was pulled by the river wind and fluttered westward. In the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, there are many easterly and southeasterly winds in summer, and the closer to the coast, the more obvious it is. The Melville did not dock in Nanjing, and went all the way down the river, a voyage of 66 nautical miles, and arrived at Jinshan Temple in one day.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the glazed tiles of the spire of the Jinshan Temple, sparkling, and the Bendu Army flag is waving in the wind at Jinshan Fort.

Stern of the Melville, First Officer Jonathan. Hayes said calmly, "Your Excellency, the Golden Mountain Fort is still in our hands. ”

Shou Xuan put down the binoculars, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "Fire, salute the army." ”

After the 9 gun salutes, Jinshan Fort quickly returned the salute. The smoke was blown away by the river breeze, and under the traction of the warships of the Ming Army's naval divisions, the Melville turned around in the center of the river, measured the depth of the water, raised the sails, and withstood the river with the help of anchors.

Night falls.

Order: "Jonathan, send someone to contact Fort Jinshan and tell Filhoff that the fleet is still behind." Ask him to hold on a little longer, and I'll come and pick them up. ”

Jonathan. Hayes: "Your Excellency, I'll go personally. ”

Seeing that Jonathan was still in the style of the whaling captain back then, he said, "Be careful." ”

Jonathan asked the sailors to lower the two longboats, and without sails, they drifted down the river to the north shore of Jinshan Island.

On board the Melville, all sailors were on guard on board in two shifts, and the remaining sampans were sent out to provide a little remote warning.

As soon as Huang Shijue confirmed the loss of Zhenjiang, he sent two clippers back to report to Huang Binqing. The remaining Ming warships looked a little nervous, spread their sails, stretched out their oars, and cruised slowly around the Melville.

At midnight, Jonathan returned to the ship, and on the way back, it was a tailwind and upstream, and Jonathan also participated in the paddle in order to hurry, and he looked a little tired at this time.

Shou Xiang handed over the wine glass, "How's the situation in the city?" ”

"There's nothing wrong with that," Jonathan said with a sip of wine into his stomach and a frown, "There are no casualties in the city today. ”

"What about the mood of the squadron?"

"Your Excellency, Filhoff said that one of the squadrons is an old friend of ours, full of confidence in our maritime strength. Although the other part has just known each other for a short time, they are all the hometown children of the young conductor, and they are more reliable. ”

It seemed that the situation was okay, and Shou Xu asked: "Did Filhoff say that he could hold it for a few days?" ”

"Your Excellency, he said that the Tatars would have to use their corpses to come from the bridge on the south bank in order to take the Golden Hill Fort."

The plan in Order's mind was to keep Filhoff in the Golden Hill Fort for ten to twenty days, so that he could do some finishing work. With the ability of the Jianzhou army to attack the fortress, this requirement is not high, but you still have to confirm it with your own eyes to rest assured.

Jonathan looked smug, "Admiral, I brought four barrels of spirits to Filhoff, and he said it was better than four cannons now. ”

"Alright, Jonathan. When I go back, I'll give you back eight barrels of wine. Shou Xuan pursed a smile at the corner of his mouth, "Now let's anchor and go." ”

The moonlight was clear, and the Melville spread most of its sails, and the return trip was a tailwind. In order to increase the speed of the voyage and get out of the battlefield waters as soon as possible, Shou Xian asked Huang Shijue to send two warships and the longboat of the Melville to tow and tow the Melville upward. The sky was bright and passed the Yizheng River, and then it was changed to autonomous navigation.

The strong northeast wind, a short voyage of 30 nautical miles, took more than 40 hours to arrive, and it was the night of May 12.

Nanjing city is now a little chaotic, Hongguang Emperor and Ma Shiying left Nanjing overnight on the evening of the 10th, and encountered an armed attack by landlords in Lishui, in the chaos Ma Shiying's second son Ma Luan led 8,000 soldiers of the Yongwei Battalion to escort Hongguang Tianzi to the west. Ma Shiying led the last remaining 5,600 Guizhou soldiers to Hangzhou. Yang Wencong's mansion was adjacent to Ma Shiying, and the Yang family's family members were also taken away.

There were originally more than 1,200 soldiers in Nanjing City, but Ma Shiying only took half of them. The remaining half either fled or stayed in Nanjing. Upon learning that the emperor and Shoufu had fled, the angry people of Nanjing surrounded the Qianbing soldiers in the city and were fighting them. Some of the people rushed into the prison, rescued the false prince, ascended the throne in the Wuying Palace, and changed the year name to the eighteenth year of Chongzhen.

From a military point of view alone, Nanjing is already an empty city. The remnants of more than 100 Guizhou soldiers were chased and killed by the people, and Zhao Zhilong, the Bo of Xincheng, took control of the government officials and some of the official guards in the city, closed most of the city gates, and waited for the Jianyu to take over Nanjing.

Shou Xu and Huang Shijue anchored the big ship in Longwan, leaving more than 100 soldiers to guard it. With 6 large sampans and dozens of civilian boats collected, sailed into the Qinhuai River. 2 longboats, 4 Ming warships all lowered their masts. The soldiers were loaded with guns, the muzzles of the black holes of the Franc machines were pointed at the shores, and the boatmen were forced to paddle to keep up.

A few cannons were fired at the Shuixi Gate City, and the miscellaneous soldiers guarding the gate dispersed in a hurry. The Nanjing city wall is 14 meters high, and it took a lot of effort to throw the grappling hook, and more than a dozen soldiers of the two armies with the best skills climbed the city wall and opened the water west gate. 80 soldiers immediately carried 6 Fran cannons to the city tower, set up guns to set up defenses, in order to prevent accidents, the order directly let the soldiers blow up the city gate.

Shou Xuan brought 70 people, and Huang Shijue brought 140 people into the city. The chaos in the city was palpable, the people set fire to the houses of Ma Shiying, Yang Wencong and others, there were rioters who took advantage of the fire to loot, and flames rose everywhere. The fireworks Qin Huai was never seen again.

Zhao Zhilong guarded the yamen of the lord in Nanjing, and did not even take care of the palace, and gave it to the pseudo-crown prince Wang Zhiming.

Shou Xuan said to Huang Shijue: "General Xiao Huang, it seems that we can make a small fortune." ”

Huang Shijue was a little depressed, "Yes, my lord, I only hate to bring too few soldiers now." ”

The wealth of the city of Nanjing is obviously not comparable to that of those cities that fought before.

"It doesn't matter if it's less, we have cannons." Shou Xuan patted the Franc machine swing gun on the bow of the ship. "Don't scatter people, we only take those high-value targets."

Huang Shijue looked a little nervous, "Does the lord of the country have to go to the palace?" ”

"Go to what palace, the Son of Heaven will die poorly." Shou Xuan spread out the map, and a cruel smile appeared on his face, "Of course, it's to go to Gonghou Qi Wan!" Duke Xu Zhoujue of Wei and Duke Zhu Guobi of Baoguo...... Longping Hou Zhang Gongri, Lingbi Hou Tang Guozuo, Anyuan Hou Liu Zuochang...... Xiangcheng Bowei Yingjun ......"

In addition to the sincerity of Liu Kongzhao, who is still on the front line, one of the other nobles is counted as one, a total of 17 noble mansions, the most corrupt and degenerate group in the Ming Dynasty.

The sweat on Huang Shijue's face fell, "We don't seem to have enough." ”

"Don't rush, take your time." Shou Xuan said, "I'll go do something first, General Xiao Huang, please wait." ”

The ship bypassed the Great Gongfang and soon arrived at the Gongyuan. Disembarked in an orderly manner and rushed into the old courtyard with a group of soldiers. The people who relied on the old courtyard to survive, such as helpers and flower sellers, have disappeared, and the romantic field that was tender like water a month ago is now a depression.

Shou Xiang found Song Huixiang's courtyard, Lin Izuyong saw that it was Shou Ling, took back his sword, bowed and said, "My lord, I have completed your request." ”

"Thank you for your hard work."

……

The Yiren lifted the bead curtain, dressed in elegant plain clothes, and stood under the corridor.

Song Huixiang took out the orderly gun with his trembling right hand, "This firecracker, I can return it to you......"

Shou Xuan felt that a string in his heart was plucked, and picked the woman up, "You don't have to bring a gun in the future." ”

Song Huixiang closed her eyes. Shou Xiang lowered his head, "Do you have any other friends, I'll take them with me." ”

"Master Gan is in the front yard, Xueyi and Ruifang are next door, and many of the maids in the courtyard are homeless to return to......"

"Izumi, I'll leave it to you."

"And my ......"

"No, I'll make you a better fight."

……

Gan Weijian, Li Xueyi, Ge Ruifang, Zhao Xuehua, Dun Shaowen, and 100 maids were brought aboard the ship and guarded by the sailors of the Melville. Huang Shijue smiled and instructed his subordinates not to mix.

Time was in a hurry, and Chu Yong used some strength when he brought them out, and the girls only had time to bring gold and silver and a few precious calligraphy and paintings. Ordinary things, I don't have time to carry them. Zhao Xuehua and others who had never seen the order, thought that they were taken captive by bandits, and they must be unlucky, and they were feeling sorry for themselves. saw Li Xueyi's indifferent look, and felt a little relieved.

Huang Shijue saw that the orderly matter was done, and asked with a smile: "Lord, what should we do next?" ”

"General Huang doesn't mind if I borrow your father's name?" Orderly.

Because of the repulsion of Zuo Liangyu's bandits, Huang Binqing and Huang Degong were rumored to be the second flying generals by the Nanjing Shimin, and they were very famous.

"What does the lord say?"

"Continuing to walk forward is the imperial palace, and the Nanjing scholars are now inclined to set up that pseudo-prince. When we passed by the palace, let the soldiers shout that Marshal Huang of Wuhu had sent troops to protect the crown prince and ascend the throne. ”

Huang Shijue's sweat was about to come out, and he didn't think about mixing it with the abolition, "This, I'm afraid this is not good." ”

"Of course it's not really true, but if we shout like this, we can eliminate the hostility of the Nanjing people towards us and reduce some trouble."

"This ......"

Shou Xuan patted Huang Shijue on the shoulder, "General Xiaohuang, think about the silver in front of you." If the people of Nanking attack us, we may suffer heavy losses if we delay for a short time. ”

Huang Shijue struggled until the fleet sailed to the palace gate, and it was clear that silver was more powerful, and he accepted the advice to keep the order, hoisted his father's flag, and made a gesture of friendship to the rioters near the palace.

Huang Binqing is a good man who fought on the front line, and he has no bad deeds of looting in the past, and he has a good reputation. Under his banner, the flotilla went all the way without trouble.

Qi Wan was near the Confucius Temple, and 180 soldiers armed to the teeth landed with 2 Franc machine gyroscopes and blocked the road at both ends. Starting from the Wei State Mansion, one by one, they broke in. Some thugs also tried to take advantage of the fire to loot, because the number of soldiers was insufficient, Huang Shijue did not stop it, and negotiated with the first to arrive in the city fox society rats to make a fortune together. The rest of the people were all driven away with Furlong cannons.

Naturally, the Prince's Mansion will have some guards, which is enough to ensure their safety among the troubled people. But in front of the soldiers who came down from the front, this bit of force was not enough at all, and there were bright breastplates and bronze goggles everywhere, and the tips of the weapons shone with cold light. There are guards who think they are good at martial arts and want to show them, but they are instantly defeated by bird guns and arquebuses.

The mansion of the founding ministers of the Ming Dynasty fell in this way. These corrupt nobles thought that they would be able to save their property by surrendering to Jianqing, and they miscalculated. When Dolgon first accepted their surrender, he did retain the property of the Ming nobles. But next year, Jianyu will confiscate all the property of the Ming Dynasty nobles in the name of "Qin Property".

In the original charter, 20% of the property and the farmhouse purchased by them would be left to the nobles, but in practice, it is obvious that the soldiers who raided the house did not have so many moods to distinguish, and they basically copied all the money. If you don't take it away, these things will be taken by Dorgon next year. Like Wei Guogong's own brother, next year will even be reduced to the situation of giving people a cane to make a living.

……

Fine porcelain shattered to the ground, and silk trampled under the soldiers' feet. Silk was no longer a target for the soldiers, and piles of silver, gold, antique treasures, and women were packed aboard. Huang Shijue's soldiers were afraid of trouble, and the women were all tied up, disheveled, and their hair was scattered.

Shou Xiang threw a small silver ingot at the boss of the civilian boat next door, "Tell your companions, row for us well, everyone will have silver when you go out of the city." ”

Song Huixiang pulled the sleeves of Shou Xian's shirt and pointed to the two women who were escorted out of the mansion of Zhu Guobi, the Duke of Baoguo, "That's Kou Baimen and Wang Jie......"

"You know?" , Looking at the past in order, the woman named Kou Baimen is dressed in short clothes, but she is quite energetic.

"Yes. Baimen calls herself a woman, and she has always dressed up like this. ”

Shou Xuan smiled, "Don't worry, first wronged them for a while, and they will untie the rope when they go out of the city." ”

The woman raised her head and looked at the order with sparkling eyes, "If it weren't for you, would I have ended up like this?" ”

Holding Hui Xiang's hand, Shou Xiang did not answer.

The looting continued for more than a day until the early morning of the 13th. These nobles are so rich, Kou Baimen, a concubine of the Duke of Baoguo, has two thousand taels of silver in his personal savings. The entire Qi Wan copied it down, 12,000 taels of gold, 320,000 taels of silver, and the treasure mink was not counted. That's it, it's still not finished. There was not enough time, and in order to avoid trouble, the mansion of the garrison lord Zhao Zhilong was not touched.

Huang Shijue looked stupid, and kept muttering to himself, "Get rich, get rich......"

The robbery made his officers and soldiers very excited, and they did not feel tired after more than a day.

Seeing the wealth piled up on the ship, Shou Xian suddenly felt refreshed. There were much fewer precious metals in the East Asian Sea than in the Americas, and in the Caribbean back then, it was not a matter of grabbing tens of thousands of pesos. The inability to grab a lot of money in East Asia made Shou Xiang quite depressed for a while, but today it has finally eased a little.

Women are also expensive. In order to get the appearance level of these women in Xungui Qi Wan, and put them in Beijing City, the wholesale price will be hundreds of taels. After Jian's capture of the Koukou, Beijing's human market soon swelled in a deformed manner. Jianyu brought women captured from all over China to the market, whose scientific names were "Manchu women", who were actually concubines and maidservants. Many of the women of the Eight Banners rented the women who were distributed to the soldiers to the brothels, and levy their night money, that is, a daily commission. As a result, business in Bada Hutong is also very prosperous.

Shou Xiang pushed Huang Yuanjue who was still in a dream, "General Xiaohuang, it's time to go." ”

"Yes, ah, okay."

"General Xiao Huang, how do you think we should divide these properties?"

Huang Yuanjue probably didn't think about this question, and he was speechless for a while.

Shouxu said: "That's it, half of our family of gold and silver, I don't want treasures, furs and antiques, and all the women belong to me, what do you think?" ”