Start North America 1400: nation building

early morning.

Quanzhou Port.

The salty smell of the sea is mixed with the smell of the fish arriving at the port. There is a lot of noise in the port, and the cries of fishermen and traders can be heard.

Everything looks the same as before.

Only Zhou Li'an in the crowd knew that in the distant sea, hundreds of mighty fleets were about to approach the shore.

He grasped the movement last night, and traveled across to arrive early this morning.

The Great Elder and Kukemo, who had long been "Quanzhou Tong", went to invite Dong Chengfeng to "watch the ceremony".

Of course, the excuse used had nothing to do with the triumphant return of Zheng He's fleet, but...

"Brother Zhou, what's so good about this fishing port? Haven't you been here many times before?"

Zhou Li'an smiled and said, "Old Dong, I want to eat fish."

Dong Chengfeng was puzzled: "If you want to eat fish, you can ask the boy to buy it, and I know a few fish shops. You have to tell in advance that the freshest catch of the day will be delivered to your house."

"Yeah." Zhou Li'an said, "The one I chose feels different, and I have a deep feeling that something big happened on the pier today."

"A big deal? What a big deal." Dong Chengfeng didn't know whether to laugh or cry, he always felt that Mr. Zhou was a little confused.

Where is the specific "God", but it is impossible to say.

Probably because sometimes his aura is inexplicably palpitating, and sometimes it makes people feel like spring breeze...

When the two get along, the rhythm is always controlled by him.

Dong Chengfeng thought, maybe this is the unique aura of overseas Chinese.

After all, living in a foreign country overseas requires both cruelty and cruelty.

Regardless of his youth, Dong Chengfeng knew in his heart that he was far inferior to this Young Master Zhou.

"I always feel that the Western imperial envoy is arriving in Hong Kong today."

As soon as these words came out, Dong Chengfeng was stunned. Even the government officials couldn't determine the return time of the Western Fleet, so there was no certainty in maritime affairs.

Every now and then, eminent monks and Taoist priests will be invited to perform rituals to protect the ship and return safely.

How do you feel?
But seeing his determined appearance again, it made Dong Chengfeng's heart skip a beat...

If this is guessed right, wouldn't the two of them be able to snatch an excellent spot to watch the ceremony at the fishing port pier?

Over the years, when the ships return, they will reward the villagers for welcoming them, and even send letters to invite them to participate in the welcome banquet. If they can go to the main banquet to toast the adults with a glass of wine, the future is boundless.

If the government had notified the city, the pier would have been overcrowded.

But the next moment, he shook his fat head and big ears: "Don't be kidding, brother Zhou, if you can even guess this kind of thing, why don't you visit the temple together, open an altar to teach, and be a land god."

Puchi.

After he finished speaking, the snow girl behind him couldn't help laughing.

Dong Chengfeng glanced sideways, his heart skipped a beat again, and silently said, do not look at evil.

After getting along for more than a month, he still couldn't get used to the beauty of this girl Si Nuo. Can this kind of beauty fall into the mortal world?
Even though she deliberately dresses like the women in the city now, she can't hide the thrill when she comes closer.

"What is Miss Si Nuo laughing at?"

Xue Nu said: "Perhaps my young master is more powerful than the land gods."

"Go." Zhou Li'an chuckled and gave her a sideways glance.

Just when a few people were bickering, there was a sudden exclamation on the pier.

"Fan Ying, it is the connection of Fan Ying!"

"God, it can't be that the imperial envoy is returning?"

"Yes, yes, it must be!"

"Quickly, go upstairs to ring the bell and notify the government office!"

The unexpected situation happened suddenly, there was a sudden chaos on the pier, and there were running figures everywhere.

But at this moment, Dong Chengfeng was already dumbfounded, with his jaw hanging wide, and five layers of pleated flesh were piled up.

Then I heard the girl Si Nuo chuckle: "How is it? Is my young master more powerful than the land gods?!"

Don't let Dong Chengfeng say more.

When he came back to his senses, he quickly sent the boy back, and went to inform his friends in the chamber of commerce that he wanted to occupy an excellent seat to watch the ceremony for a group of friends.

Not long after, carriages and horses hustle and bustle at the wharf, and there is a din of people.

The people in the city gathered first, followed by officers and soldiers.

Empty a site and pathways, moved tables and chairs, and built a high platform.

There will be good wine, chicken and fish arranged for the case, just waiting for the imperial envoy to land as soon as he lands, and he will be served with fine wine to wash away the dust.

……

on board.

More than 2 officials and civilians in each boat formation were equally excited, and the bustling scene was even more enthusiastic than the people on the shore.

Today there is no ocean commerce.

Not to mention the big food merchants who came from afar, and the smugglers who fight with the people.

The Ming Ocean Fleet was the pioneer of the first ocean voyage in the true sense.

Therefore, no one can empathize with their homesickness.

After wandering on the sea for dozens of months, I saw the customs and rare treasures of various countries, and they were not as fragrant and intoxicating as a handful of soil in my hometown.

"Hahaha, I'm back, I'm finally back!"

"I miss my wife. I don't know if my child recognizes me as a father."

"When I come back this time, I won't leave. After the service period expires, I will be rewarded with fertile land. I will build a big house, have a bunch of children, take care of my parents, and live a good life."

The soldiers and civilians on each ship expressed their good thoughts, but even if they talked freely with the left and right, their movements were not slow at all.

I just want to get to the shore as soon as possible, take a breath of the essence of the earth, and refill the souls floating in the sea.

Benedict——

The main ship's horn sounded.

Wang Jinghong hurriedly urged: "My lord, go and change your clothes quickly, and then go to make the main ship assemble and land."

"There is a welcome ceremony on the shore. When you arrive in Quanzhou, you can taste the real delicacies of the Ming Dynasty, which are much more delicious than the pickled meat and dried vegetables on the boat."

Zhou Ruonan and Zhou Ruoyu didn't say any more, they were full of anticipation, wanting to see Da Ming's real appearance.

They went back to their houses, changed the clothes sewn for them by the old woman in charge of internal affairs on the ship, and put on the "balanced suit" bestowed by our Lord again.

When they came out, Wang Jinghong and other eunuchs also changed their official uniforms, and together they went to Zheng He's main ship via the second-class treasure ship as the bridge.

At this moment, not only Ming officials at all levels are in place, but also envoys from Western countries have assembled. Like Zhou Ruonan and others, they are looking forward to seeing the grand scene of the world's most powerful country.

Of course, Quanzhou Port is far inferior to other cities in the south of the Yangtze River;

But looking at the world today, it is also the largest city that can be ranked.

Zheng He was at the top, and said to everyone: "This trip has gone through a lot of hardships, and Zheng thanked the noble envoys of various countries for their trust in Daming, Zheng, and the more than [-] officials and people of the Western Fleet."

"After landing, Zheng will hold a big banquet and drink with you all to celebrate the success of the trip and express his respect to the envoys of various countries."

"..."

He expresses his mind and is also very excited.

At this time, there was no need for an expert to translate anything. Everyone was emotionally agitated and could empathize with Zheng He.

Then, he turned his gaze to Jumping Fish.

All the envoys from various countries knew the identities of those divine envoys, and they dared not neglect in the slightest after sailing for several months.

But Tiaoyu laughed it off, and didn't intend to show any limelight at this time.

A few days ago, he had a discussion with Zheng He...

In fact, Zheng He hinted many times that he hoped that the envoy could temporarily conceal his identity after landing, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble.

After this voyage, Tiaoyu and others also know what the so-called "trouble" is.

The envoys of various countries are very flattering, and they do not hesitate to offer great gifts to make friends with them.

At first they thought it was a manifestation of balanced glory.

But as time goes by, I just feel annoying, and those flatterers are mostly hypocritical and not godly.

Only East African Malindi and wooden bones are bound to everyone, which is truly balanced and devout.

In addition, Tiaoyu also learned about the general situation of the Ming Dynasty Hall and system.

How to deal with the equilibrium and the Ming Dynasty still needs to be discussed in the long run.

After discussion by several people, this trip is only to comply with the divine will of our lord, bestowing profound meanings such as gunpowder creation.

Whether or not Daming is willing to submit to Balance is not the point, so he feels relieved.

A few people are the same as Zhou Ruoyu and Zhou Ruonan, they are more repaying the mentality of traveling to various countries and increasing their knowledge.

The people of Daming breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the attitude of the envoy.

I'm afraid that the guests will overwhelm the host and make them unable to step down, and who dares to offend the envoys of the gods?
everything's ready.

Overlooking the harbor, there are already warships stationed in Quanzhou coming to welcome them. Zheng He immediately issued orders and passed on the command flag...

Three first-class treasure ships entered the port, and the rest of the ships lined up and stationed outside the port.

Ordinary officials and civilians on the fleet are not allowed to disembark.

On the one hand, it is to prevent the leakage of the "special experience" of this trip to the West;
For example, in the Xuanwei Division of Sanfoqi Palembangang, only supply ships delivered supplies, and they stopped for a few days in the still waters near the port, without any extra contact with them.

On the other hand, Quanzhou is only for transit.

The fleet will continue to go northward by sea, part of which will stop at Liujiagang in Taicang, and the other part will enter Nanjing via the Yangtze River, sending all the Western goods and treasures brought by other countries to the capital.

Finally, the treasure ship went to Longjiang Bao Shipyard for repair and maintenance.

Every time on a western voyage, the treasure ship needs to go through a cumbersome overhaul. This is the disadvantage of wooden ships, and it is very expensive.

When three treasure ships approached.

Cheers started on the shore, and firecrackers were ignited again, making smoke and dust billow on the harbor pier, as if it was New Year's Eve.

Amidst the sound of firecrackers, the main ship of the treasure ship finally docked.

When the sampan was lowered, a team of sergeants went ahead to maintain the guard of honor of the imperial envoys. On both sides of the pier, there were gongs and drums, and there were lion dancers.

Immediately, several commanders and generals disembarked.

Tang Jing was about to take a step, but saw a low figure sprinting out from his side.

Not only Tang Jing was taken aback.

Zheng He and others who were waiting to disembark at the rear were shocked, and even Wang Jinghong slapped his thigh fiercely and shouted——

"not good!"

"Ouch, my little envoy, why can't he just wait for a while!"

"Tang Jing, what are you waiting for?"

"Hurry up, get off the boat and protect the little lord, lest the hozen run into him if you don't open your eyes!"

When everyone heard the yelling, the corners of their mouths twitched.

For a while, the little god envoys the adults, and for a while, the little adults...

Even the "old man" came out in a hurry, which is what our Lord Wang Jinghong can shamelessly call.

Wouldn't it be enough to call him "God Envoy"?
You are now destroying the "appellation market", what shall we call it?
Tang Jing also felt that his head was big.

No one can control Zhou Ruoyu in this fleet;
Wang Jinghong was still afraid that the hozen would run into him?
Find out, the so-called hozen is Zhou Ruoyu himself?

Tang Jing didn't dare to delay, rushed down quickly, shuttled through the guard of honor a few times, grabbed a collar with a "swish", and lifted the man up——

"Didn't it be agreed that you should not mess around after landing?"

"The status of the envoy is honorable. If something happens, how can we afford it?"

Zhou Ruoyu didn't even bother to struggle, he just stared at the noisy pier in front of him, completely bewildered...

"It's lively, it's so lively!"

"Like New Years Day, Recovery Day..."

"Tang Jing, you said before that your Great Ming capital is more than several times more prosperous than this place?"

"..."

Tang Jing didn't answer at all, and stood aside while mentioning this guy.

Afterwards, Zheng He and others disembarked.

Behind them is the team of envoys from various countries, led by Tiaoyu, Zhou Ruonan and others.

One of Wang Jinghong's disciples and grandsons also followed him and introduced: "The leader is the Chief Secretary of Fujian, who is participating in politics, and next to him is the prefect of Quanzhou, and..."

Quanzhou is under the administration of the Chief Secretary of Fujian Province and is based in Fuzhou Prefecture.

Because of Zheng He's trip to the West, the imperial court ordered the Chief Secretary to participate in politics and stay in Quanzhou, so as to obtain news of the fleet's return as soon as possible.

When the two sides met, the sound of gongs and drums finally subsided, and the last firecracker was annihilated, and the pier was suddenly silent.

There was only the faint buzzing of the crowd, shaking the air.

Greeting one side, headed by the Chief Secretary of Fujian, who participated in politics, bowed to Zheng He and others: "Your Majesty, along with the Chief Secretary of Fujian, the government office of Quanzhou, and the elders of the Mancheng village community, the elders of the villagers, congratulate the imperial envoy of the Western Fleet of the Ming Dynasty on his triumphant return. !!"

Following his lead, a group of officials gathered with the crowd at the harbor pier, and all sent congratulatory messages——

"Commissioner He Qin is making a triumphant return!!"

The voices were deafening and deafening.

Zheng He and the others blushed, and they also felt that they were honored and couldn't control themselves.

In the next moment, the etiquette officer sang loudly——

"Xiangxiang Sacrifice!!"

"I also wish for the concubine Mazu!!"

Crackling, and firecrackers are going off again.

Right now.

The crowd at the back gave way to a path, and saw a dozen strong men walking slowly up a "Statue of the Virgin Mary" with a crossbar.

Finally, it landed on a high platform, where incense burners were placed and pig and sheep sacrifices were displayed.

So far.

Zheng He and others were all stunned...

They finally returned today, and everyone was overjoyed and excited, but amidst the ecstasy, there were obviously omissions.

All those who do things on the sea believe in Mazu, the concubine of heaven, and pray for smooth weather and safe return.

Every time the class teacher returns to the court, it is normal to pay incense at the pier to fulfill his vows.

But the problem is...

They used to be able to do this, but not now!
When everyone was in a daze, it was strange to welcome the officials, and they sent Gao Xiang to remind them, and sang again: "Please imperial envoys, all the chief ambassadors, pay incense and pay homage..."

However, at this moment.

A roar came from behind——

"I'll see who dares!!!"

It was none other than Zhou Ruoyu who stepped forward and yelled threats!

For a moment, everyone's eyes gathered.

Even Zheng He and the others couldn't help but look sideways.

And when they glanced at the faces of several angels, they found that all of them were pale and angry.

Wang Jinghong reacted the fastest.

He was all excited, and hurriedly said: "Send this god... statue away, send it away quickly!"

Turning around again, he yelled and comforted him: "What are you still doing, why don't you get on the boat and invite the gods immediately!"

"Oh, my little ancestor, you old man, don't be impatient when you are safe, don't be impatient when you are safe..."

"It's not that they are ignorant and ignorant of the truth."

After a while of consolation, Wang Jinghong came to the crowd again, and pulled Zhou Ruonan to Zhou Ruoyu's side. He gritted his teeth and brought the two of them to the side of the officials.

Then he whispered: "Master Zheng, what do you think?"

Zheng He took a deep breath, knowing that if he didn't express his position at this time, he would commit a big taboo.

My lord, the true god, penetrates all things in the world, how can he not know the situation here?

I originally wanted to hide it, but now I can't hide it.

If you offend the True God and bring God's punishment down, you don't need to report the matter to the court gods, and the Ming Dynasty is in danger! !
Zheng He bowed and said, "Respectfully invite the envoy to preside over the worship ceremony!"

The eunuchs and young supervisors also spoke in unison.

"Respectfully invite the envoy to preside over the worship ceremony!"

Zhou Ruoyu was still upset, not looking at them: "Hmph!"

Zhou Ruonan took a deep breath and shook his head: "It's fine to preside over the matter, but you have witnessed everything with me, so you should know the punishment of disobedience..."

"Let's go, Ruoyu, stop messing around!"

Zhou Ruoyu still wanted to get angry, but at this moment, he suddenly heard an angry reprimand——

"...%￥#..."

At this moment, his whole body was stiff, his face turned pale, and he suddenly looked around, as if he was trapped in some kind of great terror, and a chill ran up his spine...

Zheng He and the others were at a loss again.

Zhou Ruonan also said, "What's wrong with you?"

Zhou Ruoyu looked terrified, tremblingly said: "You, didn't you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"Just, just..."

He still looked left and right, as if he was facing an enemy.

But before he could tell the result, he heard the roll call from the boat——

"Please ask the real body statue of my lord!"

"Please ask the real body statue of my lord!"

Two young eunuchs, one on the left and one on the right, got off the boat carrying a wooden statue.

At this point, Zhou Ruonan didn't delay, and pulled Zhou Ruoyu back to his original position.

at the same time.

Zheng He and the others also quickly retreated, and placed the statue on the altar under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

More than a dozen eunuchs, principals and deputy envoys of the young eunuchs bowed down together at this time, first led by Zheng He——

"This trip came back safely, all because of the protection of the Glory of Balance!"

"You all join me in blessing His Holy Name!"

A dozen or so people kowtowed to the statue together, their voices were loud and clear, and they all spoke in unison——

"Praise my lord, praise balance!"

"Balance exists among all things!"