Late Ming sea owl

Chapter 206 Risky chess
Dongshan Island, Chongwen Academy. This is the only academy on the island and the location of the Confucian Temple. It was built in the 16th year of Zhengde.

To the west of the academy is the Guandi Temple. Since Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the martial arts temple system with Jiang Ziya as the main sacrifice, folk worship of Guan Yu has become increasingly prosperous. The Guandi Temple gradually became the de facto martial arts temple in the Ming Dynasty.

Before withdrawing his troops, Lin Hai specially changed into his Yanfu and went to the two temples on the island to worship. He did not bring his generals with him, but only a few close followers such as Viper, and also called Xu Letian to come.

Everyone went to the Guandi Temple first. The rules here were far less grand than the Confucian Temple, but the incense was very prosperous. This was probably because Guan Gong was the God of Wealth.

The situation at the Confucian Temple is quite different. The common people would not worship Confucius if they had nothing to do. What's more, this is a temple-based study system. Who would bother to mess with the scholars studying in the academy after they are full?

Before Lin Hai went to the Confucian Temple, he first sent someone to Chongwen Academy to inform him. The headmaster of the academy, whose surname was Chen, was in his sixtieth year and came from the Chen family of Nanyu, a famous family in Dongshan. When the headmaster Chen heard that the Qianhu from Zhejiang Province who had driven away Zheng Zhilong was coming, he hurriedly welcomed him out in person.

This was not because he was grateful to Lin Hai for repelling the pirates on Dongshan Island, but mainly because the military discipline of the Ming Dynasty's guest soldiers was notoriously bad. The saying "bandits are like combs, soldiers are like grates" is not an exaggeration at all.

As the head of the academy and a member of a prominent family in Dongshan, Lao Chen felt it was necessary to remind Lin Qianhu that although Dongshan is a small coastal island, there are many famous officials among the local sages. If you want to do anything reckless, you have to think carefully. as a result of.

Of course, Lao Chen's sixty years of life were not in vain. He still understood the truth that "a scholar cannot explain his reasoning when he meets a soldier."

If the martial artist surnamed Lin is really stubborn and unable to listen to advice, then he must do his best to guide him - it's okay to harm ordinary people, but as long as he doesn't mess with respectable people like us, then everything will be easy to discuss.

Chi Xianfang had considerable military and political talent, and he had a wide circle of friends throughout his life. He had a great influence among the gentry in Fujian, and was a close friend of Huang Daozhou, who was known as the talented scholar of Fujian.

Old Chen talked about the Jinshi who had been produced by Chongwen Academy for a hundred years. In fact, Lin Hai had heard Xu Yilong say this when he was in Xiamen, and the latter specifically reminded him not to mess around on Dongshan Island.

However, since the establishment of an academy for the children of military families in the 16th year of Zhengde, Dongshan Island has been full of talents, especially during the Tianqi period, when three people, Huang Daozhou, Chen Yao and Chen Shiqi, ascended the throne in spring. Among them, Huang Daozhou was selected as a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, served as Emperor Tianqi's scribe for the Jingyan Exhibition, and became one of the most promising prime ministers.

Only the top scholar can enter the main entrance of the Confucian Temple. Since the establishment of Dongshan Confucian Temple, the main entrance has never been opened. Lin Hai entered the temple from the side entrance under the leadership of Lao Chen.

"Is this General Lin from Zhejiang? My surname is Chen, and I am the mountain chief of Chongwen Academy. The general has protected the village and wiped out bandits. I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Dongshan." Old Chen was dressed in a Confucian robe and saw Lin Hai. After that, he bent down and bowed deeply.

When Old Chen heard this, he coughed dryly and praised with a hint of embarrassment: "General Lin has great righteousness and can serve as an example for the military generals of the imperial court."

"Lao Shanchang's words are serious. Lin is a martial artist and cannot afford such a gift from Lao Shanchang." Lin Hai quickly stepped forward to help Lao Chen, and then said, "Although Lin is a martial artist, he also read the books of sages when he was young. , just because I heard that Dongshan culture and education are prosperous, I came to the Confucius Temple to worship, and Lao Laoshan personally came down to greet me. "

After all, Dayu succeeded in controlling floods only after he realized that blocking is worse than sparing. Lao Chen believes that this can be regarded as following the wisdom of the ancient sage kings.

"Lao Shanchang is so impressed." He said and called Xu Letian, "This is Mr. Xu from Jiaheli, Tong'an County. His father, Xu Baoshang, is a close friend of Yu Pingzi."

After paying homage to Confucius, Lin Hai also expressed his intention to donate two hundred taels to Chongwen Academy. Viper on the side hurriedly offered him a lot of money.

There were a large number of military Jinshis in the Ming Dynasty. The nine Jinshis on Dongshan Island were all from military backgrounds. To be precise, they were all military households in Zhenhaiwei Tongshan Qianhu Station. Because this Qianhu Institute was isolated overseas, 200 miles away from Zhenhai School of Health, it was very difficult for children of military households to go to school in the early years, so it has not produced many talents since the early Ming Dynasty.

Lin Hai came to Chongwen Academy this time, firstly for Huang Daozhou, who was in the capital, and secondly for Chi Xianfang, who lived in seclusion in Xiamen.

This is not a random attempt to build good relationships, but a targeted approach. After receiving Xu Xinlan's letter from Zhoushan, Lin Hai finally made up his mind to take the next step that he had been hesitating about for more than half a year.

Commander Chen Laoshan thanked him repeatedly. Dongshan Island is located in the sea, and pirates appear from time to time. There are also many guest soldiers who have come here to surrender the thieves. But after so many years, the guest soldier Lao Chen who donated money to the academy not only had never seen him, but also had never heard of him. Unknowingly, his favorability towards Lin Hai rose to a new level.

Old Chen felt relieved when he saw Lin Hai's sober and elegant look. Just in case, he took over his words and said: "General Lin's words are true. Although Dongshan is remote by the sea, it is indeed worth it." The four words "prosperity of culture and education" mean that since its establishment a hundred years ago, the Academy has produced nine Jinshi..."

The so-called Yupingzi refers to Chi Xianfang, a famous scholar in central Fujian. When Lin Hai was stationed in Xiamen six months ago, he was the one Xu Xinsu invited to demolish the residential buildings outside the city. At that time, he and Xu Xinsu had seen the military appearance of the Zhoushan Camp from a distance on top of the city.

After Lin Hai finished his show, he asked Lao Chen again: "Chief Lao Shan, I was stationed in Xiamen last time. Thanks to the help of Mr. Luzhou, we were able to repel Zheng's thief's troops. Now that I have come to Dongshan, I still want to go to Luzhou." Mr. Zhou's friend Huang Shuchang wants to pay a visit to Mrs. Huang, but he is afraid of being rude. I wonder what Mr. Lao Shan thinks?"

As soon as Lin Hai heard what Lao Chen said, he knew the connotation, and immediately smiled and said: "Master Lao Shan, please rest assured, Lin is not that kind of unscrupulous military general, and will never touch the hearts of the people of Dongshan."

This is a risky move. After completing this move, he will need the Fujian gentry to run something for him at a certain point in time. This is the reason why he came to Chongwen Academy to perform.

After meeting Xu Letian, Lao Chen asked Lin Hai his name, and then greeted him by his nickname: "Deng Wangong, please come this way. I will take you to the Confucian Temple to worship."

When Lao Chen heard Lin Hai mention Yupingzi Chi Xianfang, he finally felt relieved and his attitude toward Lin Hai became much more intimate. He was not as polite as before, but actually he was wary.

"What's so outrageous about this? Duke Deng Wang is the reborn parent of my Dongshan people by killing thieves for my Dongshan people." Old Chen decided to make it easier for Lin Hai, and then said, "Mrs. Huang was born in the Nanyu Chen family. She seems to be my distant niece. If Duke Deng doesn’t mind, I’m willing to guide you.”

Lin Hai then followed Lao Chen to Huang Daozhou's home. Huang's home was just west of Guandi Temple. It was a courtyard with three bays and three bays, which looked quite shabby and simple.

Huang Daozhou was born into a poor family, and this courtyard was actually rebuilt after he won the imperial examination. On the day the good news came, a group of carpenters and masons rushed over to tear down the fence and gate of his house, and built a magnificent wall gate for free. This is called changing the court.

After that, there was naturally an endless stream of people of all kinds who came to visit, including those who gave gifts, people who offered land, and people who became slaves. But Huang Daozhou turned him away. He only accepted some congratulatory gifts from relatives and friends. In addition, he acquiesced to Huang's mother's natal Nanyu Chen family to renovate his house.

He could refuse all contributions, but he could not refuse the Chen family's favor, because Huang Daozhou was a child of an ordinary military household in Tongshan Institute. He had the opportunity to study only because his maternal uncle Chen Wangjiao taught in Chongwen Academy. After becoming a Jinshi and becoming an official, Huang Daozhou remained honest and self-possessed, never asking for help from others, so not many people gave gifts to the Huang family.

Therefore, the life that Huang's mother is living now cannot be called rich, but at any rate she is much better than before. After all, there are powerful people from her mother's family who are constantly supporting her - Huang Daozhou does not need to do anything for the Nanyu Chen family, as long as he has His Jinshi status is there, and the Chen family can use it to write a lot of articles.

Lin Hai gave Huang's mother, Mrs. Chen, a large sum of money as a gift. The old lady was so happy that she couldn't smile from ear to ear. If Huang Daozhou didn't accept the gift himself, how could he control his mother's refusal?

Although Huang Chen came from a wealthy family, his small family also came from a poor family. His son was a Jinshi at the age of thirty-eight, so his words and deeds were similar to those of ordinary old country women.

After receiving Lin Hai's gift, the old lady sighed to him: "You young people from other places are so polite. An official named Zheng came here just a while ago."

Lin Hai didn't realize who Huang Chen was talking about for a moment. He turned around and glanced at Lao Chen beside him, only to see that this guy was embarrassed and speechless.

Only then did he realize that the so-called official named Zheng turned out to be his mother Zheng Zhilong, who was probably brought here by Mr. Chen Laoshan. I don’t know if the old lady didn’t figure out Zheng Zhilong’s identity or was deceived by Lao Chen.

"It should, it should..." Lin Hai was dumbfounded. Do you want to be so involved? Pirates and guest soldiers are rushing to give gifts to local officials. What kind of world is this?
At this time, Zheng Zhilong was visiting Penghu guerrilla Wang Mengxiong. After retreating overnight with his men, he did not go directly to Dongfan. Instead, he took shelter in Ma Gong Port on Penghu Island to rest. This is a very good harbor, and Penghu is named because it is as calm as the lake.

The so-called Black Water Ditch stretches across the sea route from the Penghu Islands to Taiwan. It is actually a branch of the Kuroshio Current, also known as the Taiwan Warm Current in later generations. Due to the fast flow of ocean currents, the Blackwater Gorge was a dangerous barrier for ships in the sailing era. Therefore, there is a folk saying that "six out of ten will die, three will stay, and one will turn back."

Winter is when the flow of water in Heishui Gorge is the fastest. In order to bring the fleet back to Zingang safely, Zheng Zhilong had to keep his sailors in high spirits, so he chose to rest in Penghu for two days after retreating overnight.

Penghu guerrilla Wang Mengxiong received his adopted brother Zheng Zhilong in his official residence. Old Master Du who came back from the ship was also accompanying him. Zheng Zhilong took the opportunity to ask Wang Mengxiong about training soldiers. He first told in detail the battle with Lin Hai's troops.

Wang Mengxiong was a little surprised after hearing this, and sighed repeatedly: "It's unusual! It's unusual! There are such a thousand households in Zhejiang. It's really rare. My dear brother, it's not unfair for you to lose to him."

This Wang Mengxiong is also a fierce man. He once captured the red-haired Yi chief Gao Wenlu alive a few years ago. He has always thought highly of himself. When Zheng Zhilong heard what he said, he hurriedly said: "Brother Xian also thinks that this Qianhu surnamed Lin is not a trivial matter?" "

Wang Mengxiong said noncommittally: "As for ability, it's nothing. There are naturally a lot of mediocre generals in Fujian, Zhejiang and other places, but there are also many veteran generals who know how to fight. They are not as good as that surnamed Lin. But this person Someone who is wealthy and willing to spend money is hard to find even if you are wearing a lantern all over the world.”

Zheng Zhilong was thoughtful after hearing this: "According to Brother Xian, as long as you are willing to spend money, you can train strong soldiers?"

"That's natural. Since ancient times, all strong soldiers have been well fed and paid." Wang Mengxiong continued, "Take my brother's trip to Penghu as an example. If he wants to fight with Lin Hai, it will probably be a disaster. It’s just poverty. The money given by the court is small and it is often in arrears. This is something that can’t be helped. "

Zheng Zhilong thought to himself that you didn't know how much blood you drank from the damn soldiers, and then asked: "Zheng asked himself that he had never treated his brothers badly, so why could he still not defeat that man surnamed Lin?"

"That's because a good brother is not training the right way. It's no problem to defeat ordinary officers and soldiers with enough food and pay, but it's not enough to deal with this Lin." Wang Mengxiong said and started boasting again, "I'm not bragging for my brother, if the imperial court If you can give me enough money, I can help you improve this Penghu tour, which is better than that of Lin."

Zheng Zhilong didn't really believe in Wang Mengxiong's ability to train troops, and asking him for advice was just a dead horse. The main reason was that he felt that Penghu You's level was just that, similar to that of ordinary Fujian officers and soldiers.

But after hearing these words, his thoughts were a little different. Maybe that old Master Du was not all bragging. Maybe Wang Mengxiong was really capable, but he was just reluctant to spend money.

Thinking of this, Zheng Zhilong hurriedly said: "Of course I know Brother Xian's abilities. It's just that there is no one as talented as Brother Xian in my army. I wonder if Brother Xian can give me some pointers."

"This is difficult. The way to train soldiers cannot be explained clearly in a few words..." Wang Mengxiong pondered for a moment and then continued, "But I have some advice. Dear brother, please listen to me carefully."

"Brother Laoxian has taught me, and I am all ears." Zheng Zhilong bowed his hand to Wang Mengxiong.

"First of all, there are not many soldiers but good ones. Although my dear brother is not short of money, it is still difficult to raise 20,000 strong soldiers. If you follow Brother Yu's opinion, it is better to select thousands of strong soldiers and give them double pay like servants. You don’t need to pay so much money.”

"Secondly, military laws need to be strict. Most of Xiandi's men are unruly and unruly people, and it is often difficult to command them in battle. Now that you have double pay, you have to impose orders and prohibitions. Anyone who floutes military laws must be killed. Naturally, there will be other brothers who want to take advantage of the double salary."

"Furthermore, the weapons and armor need to be excellent. The firearms in the Xiandi army are all exquisitely crafted, but the brothers are unwilling to wear armor, which makes them timid in the face of battle. In addition, heroes at sea like to use short weapons. It is okay to fight on the ship, but on land But it’s not enough to be a dignified formation.”

Wang Mengxiong said three things in a row, and Zheng Zhilong felt like he was enlightened, but then he heard his sworn brother continue: "Have you ever read the book of war, dear brother?"

Zheng Zhilong nodded and said: "I have read a few books briefly, but I just glanced at them without asking for a deeper understanding."

Wang Mengxiong asked again: "Which books are they?"

""Sun Tzu", "Wu Zi", "Wei Liao Zi"..."

"Throw them all away! Brother, let me tell you a few books, "New Book of Records", "Records of Military Training", "General Martial Arts"..."

　Huang Daozhou, Chen Yao, and Chen Shiqi were known as the three loyal ministers of Tongshan. Chen and Chen all died fighting against Zhang Xianzhong, while Huang Daozhou died fighting against the Qing Dynasty. Lu Zhenfei, a great scholar in the Longwu Dynasty of the Southern Ming Dynasty (he was the chief assistant of Emperor Longwu before Huang Daozhou's death), once carved the names of three people on the Fengdong Stone on Dongshan Island. Therefore, the Fengdong Stone, known as the best stone in the world, is also called the Sanzhong Stone.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)