Zhu Yongxing did not understand why the Zheng clique was so conservative, but he knew that it would not be long before the Zheng clique's internal strife and split would break out. And this fuse is Zheng Jing's misconduct. first killed his father Zheng Chenggong, and then launched a purge because of his weak heart, causing the soldiers to flee one after another.

The psychology is too dark! Zhu Yongxing thought about it repeatedly, but in the end he didn't say a word, waiting for the Zheng group to split. The biggest beneficiary of the Zheng split will no longer be the Qing court, and Zhu Yongxing is confident that it will attract the vast majority of refuge.

When the imperial court was still there, Zheng Jing could not declare his succession to the throne on his own as in history, which was a means of restraint that Zhu Yongxing could rely on and use. If the situation allows, Zhu Yongxing can even unite with Taiwan's Zheng Shi to solve Zheng Jing's rebel son in one fell swoop. Or they can mediate and absorb Taiwan's Zheng Li.

"Your Highness, the lowly post has already sorted out the information provided by the Marquis of Zhongyong and others." Yi Cheng and Zhu Yongxing analyzed the effect of releasing smokescreen bombs on Chen Yonghua and Feng Xifan this time, and then took out a document and handed it over.

Collecting and listening to Zheng Jun's internal intelligence is not the focus of this document, but the Zheng group is a political group with maritime power as the core, and the composition of personnel is complex, and various figures have different attitudes towards the imperial court and the Qing court, and it is not unhelpful to know more. The strategic center of gravity of the southwestern Ming army continued to move eastward, especially the high hopes placed on the naval division, and it was even more indispensable to grasp the information of the wind, flood, tide, and other information in the southeast sea.

“…… There are 5 or 6,000 people living in Penghu, 20,000 or 30,000 people living in Taiwan, and less than half of the 30,000 land and water officers and soldiers and their families brought by the king of Yanping himself can practice, and there are more than 300 ships; The total number of soldiers and civilians in Jin, Xiamen and other places is about 100,000, and the number of soldiers is about 30,000. The size of the ship is 500 ......"

Although it is not the point, Zhu Yongxing can't help frowning after seeing Zheng Jun's strength.

"The Zheng family soldiers are just like this, and they were exaggerated before." Yi Cheng guessed Zhu Yongxing's thoughts, and added on the side.

Zhu Yongxing smiled faintly and continued to read the information. He wasn't surprised by the Zheng group's military might. Instead, he saw that the strength of Jin and Xiamen surpassed that of Taiwan by a lot, so that after Zheng Chenggong's death, if Zheng Jing received the support of the generals of Jin and Xiamen, Taiwan's Zheng Shi obviously could not resist. If it joins forces with Zheng Shi, it may have the upper hand, but the South China Sea Fleet will inevitably suffer. Is this kind of infighting necessary in times of national war?

“…… The Zheng army was stationed separately in the north and south, and the upper and lower roads were more than a thousand miles apart. The distance is long, and it is difficult to cooperate and respond to each other; Zheng Jing's ability is low, he is not good at fighting, and the towns under his command will not be in harmony with each other; The Zheng army was sloppy, and the soldiers were lost in training, and they were uneven in the end; There are five or six out of ten people in the Zheng army who have no family members, and the widowed and lonely soldiers will naturally have thoughts of their homeland, so their military spirit will inevitably be unstable......"

This loyal and brave Marquis Chen Ba has a lot of resentment. Listing Zheng Jun's weaknesses one by one is also well-founded. Zhu Yongxing smiled again. At this time, I can only understand, but it is not the time to meet Zheng Jun with his face and swords! However, this homeland thought was something that the Ming army could use. Most of the Zheng soldiers came from the coastal areas of Chao, Hui, Zhang, and Quan, and the areas occupied by the Ming army's eastern expedition were obviously attractive.

“…… The Qing army in Fujian Province had about 200 large and small ships, more than 100 small fast posts, and 70 were selected. Shi Lang, the puppet general of Tong'an, is an old general of the Zheng department, accustomed to naval battles, and his subordinates have about 4,000 soldiers, and Huang Wu, the puppet Haicheng minister, is not very capable, and there are about 3,000 people who are accustomed to the sea and are strong......"

Zhu Yongxing stopped. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, and he said in a deep voice for a long time: "This Shi Lang is a big disaster, and it should be eliminated as soon as possible." In the future, there will be more landing operations, and more twelve-oared clippers should be built that are conducive to shallow sea operations. ”

"Your Highness is wise." Yi Cheng said with a smile: "Xu Long, Wu Liuqi, and Su Li are also accustomed to naval battles, and they were all defeated by our army. ”

"Don't be careless!" Zhu Yongxing picked up the pen, made annotations and comments on the materials, and prepared to hand them over to the navy for discussion, and then said: "Send someone to summon Ye Hu, and leave it to him to handle it." ”

If Shi Lang can be eliminated by means such as counter-plotting, of course, it is a good thing with small profits and big profits. Zhu Yongxing was not sure, but felt that he could give it a try. The four ministers and auxiliary ministers, especially when Ao Bai was in power, tried his best to reverse the trend of sinicization of the Shunzhi Dynasty, and then carried out the stupid practice of emphasizing the Manchu and ignoring the Han, although Shi Lang was temporarily promoted, but there were several ups and downs in history, and even idle in Beijing for more than ten years.

imitated Wu Sangui's handwriting before, which caused a lot of confusion, and now Zhu Yongxing feels that he can repeat the old trick. As an ethnic minority, the Qing rulers had a difficult psychological complex towards the Han people. And this is precisely the basis for the success of this uncomplicated strategy. Suspicion, as long as you are suspicious, you can't be reused, that's almost enough.

"Your Royal Highness has a noble status and a golden body, this life should not be too simple, and there are too few guards and attendants around you." Yi Cheng saw that Zhu Yongxing put down his pen, saw that it was empty, and said busily: "Now that there are three provinces and an overseas base, it is not as good as at the beginning of the business, and it is still necessary to pay attention to the appropriate pomp and circumstance." ”

Zhu Yongxing was stunned for a moment, and after thinking about it seriously, he understood Yi Cheng's original intention. The matter of the move was not confirmed, so he did not bring his family with him, and there were only a few maids by his side. It was precisely because Ah Zhu and Long Er were not around that Yi Cheng wanted to take this opportunity to stuff a few Han family girls to pave the way for the future. In the final analysis, it was the alien identities of Ah Zhu and Long Er that made Yi Cheng and others feel that it was an obstacle. The other guards and pomp are just a cover-up, not the point.

"Let's talk about it later!" Zhu Yongxing smiled slightly and said: "The situation has indeed changed a lot, but we must not be complacent. When you first arrive in a place, before the big thing is completed, it is not suitable to engage in pomp and circumstance. ”

"It's just this-" Yi Cheng was about to open his mouth to persuade again, but Zhu Yongxing had already waved his hand to stop it and diverted the topic.

……………

The whole situation of resistance to the Qing Dynasty has indeed changed greatly, and the rise of the Ming army in the southwest has created great pressure on the Qing court. The four auxiliary ministers took over the government, and after some clean-up and changes, they began to focus on the military. The large-scale use of troops means that there is abundant money and food, and the Qing court disregarded the reality that the world was ruined and the people's livelihood was difficult, and the Qing court decided to pay for training; The enclosure policy that was officially abolished, because after the death of Shunzhi, the reshuffle of various forces took place again.

As long as you resist, as long as you persevere. The Qing court would then pass on the financial pressure to the people, and under the harsh government, more and more people would rise up in revolt. To a certain extent, the tyrannical remnants of the Qing court also increased the pressure on the ruling localities, which Zhu Yongxing despised.

Raise taxes on the fields and take food from the mouths of the poor peasants. both stupid and inefficient; Not much is gained, and it is not sustainable. The relocation of coastal borders not only abandoned a large amount of land that could not be taxed, but also caused losses in foreign trade, salt tax, fishing tax, commercial tax, etc. Zhu Yongxing didn't know if the Qing court was short of money or throwing money. Lost the watermelon and picked up the sesame seeds, it seems that as long as this evaluation is the most appropriate.

The Ming government led by Zhu Yongxing, on the other hand, adopted a completely different policy, and the taxes on the peasants were lowered again and again, and they did not take this as the focus of fiscal revenue. However, the entire share of commercial tax, mining tax, salt, tea, etc., is increasing year by year. Start with Yunnan Province. Without the collusion between officials and businessmen, there would be no obstacles to tax collection. As for the interests of the scholar class, Yunnan Province, which is almost a blank slate, naturally does not need to be considered too much.

In addition, after several plundering of foreign countries and the prosperity of maritime trade, the composition of finance has naturally changed, and the pattern of agricultural taxation for thousands of years is changing. Of course. With the increase in the land base, the total amount has increased.

Actually. Fundamentally speaking, one is based on the long-term and the other is eager for quick success. But the Qing court obviously did not know that the Ming army in the southwest was no longer an opponent that could be completely resolved in one or two major wars and in one or two years.

Chen Yonghua and Feng Xifan released a smokescreen, real or fake, and did not make absolute promises. Zhu Yongxing focused his attention on the Ming army's eastward crusade. After all, to make Guangzhou the seat of government, a relatively stable environment is indispensable.

The barrier in the north doesn't seem to be too worried, the Jiangxi Green Battalion is very weak, and the defense provinces and territories are not enough, how can it have the strength to attack Guangdong? And to the east. Reinforcements from the Qing army in Fujian Province had arrived in Meizhou, and fighting was inevitable.

Although the battle was inevitable, with the current situation of the two armies, the Ming army was very sure of victory. Because the Qing army in Fujian Province was controlled by the Zheng army of Jin and Xiamen, as well as the relationship between the distance and proximity of the station, only more than 10,000 people came, and after joining the Qing army in Meizhou, it was only 16,700 people. Speaking of the Qing army in Fujian Province, also because of the existence of the vassal king, the army has the disadvantage of not being subordinate to each other. Geng's rebel soldiers mainly guarded the feudal mansion in the Fuzhou area, and the governor of Fujian was stationed in Zhangzhou, in addition to supervising the direct troops, he could also order a certain number of soldiers and horses.

The Qing army that reinforced Guangdong was a mixed force, with thousands of feudal soldiers, a number of superintendents, and green battalions. After receiving the news that Guangzhou had been conquered, this army believed that the plan of attacking inside and outside could no longer be realized, and that the Ming army should have a strong force in a short period of time. Therefore, he stopped in Meizhou, asked for more troops from Fujian Province on the one hand, and strengthened the city defense on the other hand, preparing to hold the gate into Fujian here and block the continued advance of the Ming army.

Leaning on the city to hold on, this is a fairly normal way of thinking and tactics, but for the Ming army, there is artillery, there are tunnels and blasting, and it is no longer a difficult problem to attack fortifications. The Qing army nested in the city, which was a good opportunity to gather and annihilate it.

The battle of Meizhou has not yet begun, and the intelligence from the front has been sent urgently, which is worthy of gratification and reassurance for Zhu Yongxing. Meizhou and Chaozhou can be moved, and family members can also move from Kunming. As for the Manchurian and Mongolian Eight Banners heading south, the Ming army's idea was to rest and replenish training after capturing Meizhou, while hoarding ammunition and materials, and then first frustrate the enemy's spirit with defense under the city of Meizhou, kill and injure its vital force, and then wait for an opportunity to counterattack after the last attempt.

Of course, if the sailors can end their rest and replenishment ahead of schedule, they will carry out a diversion operation, send the Shuijiang sailors into the Yangtze River to rendezvous with the Thirteen Families, and carry out a landing feint attack along the coast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. As for the effect, because it is difficult to predict, the focus is still on facing the Manchurian and Mongolian Eight Banners.

A month or so, which was estimated by Zhu Yongxing and the General Staff, may be earlier or later. If things go well, the Ming army will be able to prepare during this time, and it will be greatly strengthened in terms of personnel and equipment.

There seemed to be no problem in capturing Meizhou, and Zhu Yongxing relaxed and summoned the British. Although the Ming government was the first to contact the French, the British were more active, manufacturing guns, selling ships and artillery, and even sending troops to help the war, and the relationship between the two sides naturally became closer and closer. At least on the surface, that's what it looks like.

There is no free lunch in the world, and Zhu Yongxing knew that the British were fighting for their own interests, joining forces with the Ming army in Asia, so as to cooperate with the Netherlands and Spain. Even the Portuguese in Macau, engaged in fierce competition. It's just that the British are more cunning and know how to give first and take later.

Relations between Britain and the Netherlands were now very bad, although Britain also set up its own East India Company to compete with the Dutch East India Company. However, as a latecomer, Britain was not yet able to compete with the Netherlands. The power of the Ming Dynasty had already established a solid foundation in Indochina, whether it was Annam. or Guangnan, they can't compete with the Ming army. Champa and Siam also favored the Ming army, which to this day is still the dominant side in Indochina (Indochina).

Regardless of the outcome of the Ming and Qing wars in the future, the British were determined to seize the opportunity to do business with the Ming army and to combat other competitive forces. The capture of Guangzhou by the Ming army was an opportunity, and due to the Manchu ban on the sea, Macau had lost its role as a transit point for goods. Relying on good relations with the Ming Dynasty, British merchants no longer had to be exploited and restricted by the Portuguese. Even the Portuguese had to make overtures to the Ming Dynasty. In order to obtain the supply of goods that has been cut off, and maintain the economy of Macau.

"Ha Tien and Mekong provinces will indeed plan to plant sugarcane on a large scale next year, which is estimated to be about 10,000 mu." Zhu Yongxing was a little surprised that the British were well-informed, but he didn't show it on his face, but said along the topic, "Is it too early to talk about the exclusive trade rights of white sugar at this time?" ”

Waiting for the price to sell, Zhu Yongxing was in this mind at the beginning. Multiple competitors should be able to gain greater benefits. So. He was a little unprepared for the sudden request of the British, so he thought about delaying it. Cane sugar, which is in high demand by Europeans, is also the main commodity that will make money from exports in the future. With the continuous reduction of food pressure, the two provinces of Ha Tien and Mekong continue to expand. The area under sugarcane cultivation will also continue to expand. Zhu Yongxing did not want to easily give the exclusive trade rights that would become larger and larger to the British.

"Your Royal Highness, the exclusive right of trade granted to our merchants will not reduce your country's income. On the contrary, our businessmen are willing to provide sugar pressing machines and are willing to set up sugar factories in your country. And come up with the most reasonable price, which is very beneficial to your country. The British businessman Harry's attitude was quite respectful, but there was a sly glint in his eyes, "All along, the cooperation between your two countries has been sincere and fruitful, and for the needs of your country, my country is also fully helpful, this small request, I think His Royal Highness will not refuse." ”

Zhu Yongxing smiled faintly, this is the cunning of the British, help you first, but don't mention the conditions. When that happens, you're embarrassed to say no to conditions that don't seem excessive. It's just that this exclusive trade right still can't be given away so easily.

"The cooperation is certainly pleasant and sincere, there is no doubt about it." Zhu Yongxing came up with a solution and said: "But this exclusive trade right doesn't sound good, it's too rigid, and there is no room for change. It is better to do this, no matter how many acres of sugarcane are planted next year, fifty percent of the output will be sold to the merchants of your country; Then take this 50% production as a benchmark number, which is always the same. And in the future, the increase in the yield of planting will also be fifty percent to the merchants of your country. ”

Harry thought for a moment and said with a smile: "It's better to buy out all of next year's output by our businessmen, and seventy percent of the increase in the future will go to our businessmen." ”

Zhu Yongxing shook his head and said, "Next year it can only be fifty percent." The remaining fifty percent is not to be sold to outsiders, but to be made into sugar cubes and distributed to the army. As for the increase in the future, it can only be 60% for your country at most, and the rest will also be for the army. The war is far from over, and military supply is the top priority, but it is not that the lone king is reluctant to sell it to your country. ”

"I see." Harry didn't know that Lu Daoming didn't understand the knowledge of food calories, and seeing Zhu Yongxing's resolute attitude, he stopped and accepted it when he saw it.

After talking about other business matters, the British revealed to Zhu Yongxing some of the latest information about other countries in Asia. Just as the Spaniards' attitude towards the Ming army was deteriorating, after Zheng Chenggong recovered Taiwan, the Spaniards in Manila became nervous, fearing that the Ming army would advance further into the Philippines. Instead of being effective, Zhu Yongxing and Zheng Chenggong's warning to the Spaniards prompted the Spaniards to carry out a third massacre of the Chinese.

"Lone has made it clear that blood for blood, tooth for tooth, and the Spaniards will pay a terrible price for their actions." Zhu Yongxing's face was gloomy, he knew about the news, but unfortunately he couldn't take revenge now.

The meaning of the British provocation is obvious, but without their provocation, Zhu Yongxing will also take action sooner or later, and will never let the history of suffering of overseas Chinese be repeated.

"The Dutch seem to have come into contact with the Tatar government, and they did everything to be able to trade." Captain Lei Chui seemed to kindly remind Zhu Yongxing, "Your Royal Highness the Prince should be careful, be careful of the Dutch and Tatars joining forces. If His Highness needs our country's help in the war, our country is duty-bound. ”

"Thank you for your concern and kindness." Zhu Yongxing nodded with a smile, and then said seriously: "If the Netherlands makes such hostile acts, they will have no place in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and they will be ruthlessly attacked by our Great Ming Naval Division." ”

(To be continued......)