Chapter 19: Deploying Great Duke to Suppress Sea Pirates.

The words of Zhu Yunwen left the members of the Grand Secretariat momentarily dumbfounded, They stared at each other with wide eyes and puzzled expressions.

Yuxin, Zhang Dan, and Xie Jin had all seen the report, and the content seemed, probably, should be, not as serious as the Emperor said.

They clearly stated:

“In the coastal areas, there are frequent activities of pirates, ranging from a few individuals to several hundred, causing constant disturbances. The Guangzhou Garrison, commanding three thousand soldiers, has conducted operations in Yangjiang, Guanghai, Xinning, Wuchuan, Suixi, and other areas. With a sacrifice of thirty lives and fifty injuries, they have successfully eliminated five hundred pirates.”

This seems to be a report of their achievements. How did it become a plea for assistance in the Emperor’s words?

Could it be that there’s some hidden motive?

With his quick thinking, Xie Jin understood the Emperor’s intention. He loudly exclaimed, “Your Majesty, Guangzhou is a crucial gateway in the southern part of the empire. It must not be lost. In my opinion, only a senior minister can handle this task.”

“Oh?”

Emperor Zhu Yunwen looked at Xie Jin with satisfaction. This one of the Three Great Talents was indeed living up to his reputation.

“Minister Xie, who do you think is capable of shouldering this important responsibility?”

Emperor Zhu Yunwen asked with a smile.

Xie Jin was about to speak up, but suddenly realized that mentioning a particular name could potentially cause trouble. After all, although he had entered the Grand Secretariat, his foundation was still shallow compared to the powerful nobles.

Xie Jin bowed and said, “Your Majesty, this matter can be inquired with the Ministry of Personnel.”

Zhu Yunwen smiled faintly, he understand that Xie Jin had seen through his intentions and was trying to be cunning. However, he didn’t mind and turned his gaze to Qi Tai, asking, “Minister Qi, who do you think is capable of shouldering this important responsibility?”

The Ministry of Personnel was responsible for recommending talented individuals.

Minister of Personnel, Qi Tai stepped forward and exclaimed, “I believe Marquis of An Lu, Wu Jie is capable of assuming this position.”

Zhu Yunwen frowned and said, “Marquis of An Lu is currently in charge of military training in Zhejiang and is also responsible for coastal defense. It may be difficult for him to spare his time.”

“How about Marquis of Jiang Yin, Wu Gao…”

“Wu Gao’s health has been poor recently…”

“What about Commander Gu Cheng…”

“I have other arrangements for Gu Cheng, it’s not suitable…”

Qi Tai successively recommended several individuals, but Zhu Yunwen rejected them all.

Qi Tai was not a fool either, at this time if he couldn’t figure it out, it’d be a waste of his officialdom.

Clearly, the emperor already had someone in mind, but due to his status, he couldn’t openly declare it himself. That’s why he sought recommendations from his subordinates, and when Xie Jin declined to suggest a candidate, he passed the ball to Qi Tai.

However, Qi Tai was bewildered. He had no idea whom the emperor intended to trap. Surely, it couldn’t be the King of Yan.

Nervously, Qi Tai glanced at Zhu Yunwen and saw that the emperor slightly turned his head toward the side of the military elite. Qi Tai followed his gaze and realized that the emperor seemed to be looking at the Duke of Wei, Xu Huizu.

Wait!

Xu Huizu is currently busy training the new army in the capital and cannot be available for this task.

In that case, who else could it be?

Qi Tai widened his eyes, swallowed nervously, and steadied himself. Then he shouted loudly, “I believe that this matter is crucial for the peace and prosperity of our nation. It requires a formidable force to completely eradicate the sea pirates. The one who can handle such a momentous task and lead our Ming Dynasty’s expedition in the south is none other than Duke of Cao.”

Upon hearing his name being called, Li Jinglong, who was dozing off, suddenly trembled.

He had drunk too much last night and didn’t sleep well.

Could it be that he was experiencing auditory hallucinations?

Just as Li Jinglong was feeling a bit disoriented, Zhu Yunwen nodded in satisfaction and said, “Minister Qi’s words are correct. This will be the first battle since my ascension to the throne, and it must be ensured with utmost caution. It will showcase the might of our Ming army, protect our territories, and ensure the safety of our people. We must dispatch a senior minister for this task! In that case, Duke Cao!”

“Here I am!”

Li Jinglong quickly stepped forward and paid his respects.

“I appoint you as the Great General of pacifying the south, Li Zengzhi as the Commander-in-Chief, Xu Zengshou as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Li You, Xu Hong, Chen Yue… eight individuals as participating generals. Starting tomorrow, you will march to Guangzhou and join forces with the Guangzhou Commandery to eradicate the sea pirates and protect our Ming Dynasty!”

Zhu Yunwen stood up and shouted with authority.

No room for discussion!

No room for questioning!

The command of Zhu Yunwen left Li Jinglong feeling as if he had been struck by lightning. He numbly expressed his gratitude and accepted the order.

Inside the grand hall, officials whispered and discussed among themselves.

Using a Great Duke to suppress small pirates?

How serious is the situation with the Guangzhou pirates?

Isn’t this deployment giving too much face to those pirates?

Could it be that Guangzhou has already completely fallen?

They haven’t heard anything about it!

“Your Majesty, I believe that the Duke of Cao is a pillar of the empire and should not be easily deployed. Although Guangzhou is troubled by pirates, it is sufficient to mobilize a regional commander or a marquis to suppress the chaos.”

The Commander of the Capital Guard, Wang Zuo, stepped forward to voice his opposition.

“We concur,” several inconspicuous officials spoke up.

Zhu Yunwen coldly stared at the officials who opposed him and spoke sternly, “While the people of Guangzhou are trapped in turmoil, all of you are still deliberating over who should be deployed? Wang Zuo, if I send you, can you guarantee victory? I am well aware that without eliminating the pirates, Guangzhou and the stability of the empire will be at risk! As the Commander, don’t you understand this simple fact?”

“The Duke of Cao is someone I trust and he is also the heir of the King of Qiyang. With his military expertise, once he takes action, remarkable results will be achieved! He will thoroughly eradicate the pirates and secure a peaceful southern gateway for me. How dare you oppose, What are your ulterior motives?”

Wang Zuo, startled by Zhu Yunwen’s outburst, quickly knelt down and kowtowed.

If they continue to oppose, they are unsure of whether the pirates will be eradicated, but their own heads will surely be taken off.

Zhu Yunwen spoke sternly, “By appointing the Duke of Cao, I am sending a message to the world that I, for the safety of the empire and its people, am willing to use the Duke of Cao without hesitation! Even if the need arises, I myself can take the lead, don armor, and go into battle to kill the enemy! Duke of Cao, do you have the courage to thoroughly eradicate the pirates and share the burden with me?!”

Duke of Cao, Li Jinglong, quickly knelt and shouted, “I have the courage and I am willing to share the burden for Your Majesty!”

At this point, if they don’t lower their heads, they will be finished.

The emperor has spoken, declaring that if no one else goes, he will personally lead the troops.

What choice does Li Jinglong have but to comply?

Who would dare let the new emperor from going to battle himself?

As a loyal subject, if he cannot share the emperor’s burdens, how can he continue to hold his position in the court?

Moreover, Zhu Yunwen expressed his trust and willingness to utilize the Duke and delivered a fervent speech filled with determination and a thirst for action. It was enough to make Li Jinglong willingly embark on the mission.

Zhu Yunwen after settling the matter with Li Jinglong, glanced at the officials who had opposed him and said, “Wang Zuo and others, follow the army in the expedition. Use your eyes and hearts to witness the suffering of the people affected by the disasters. Then come back and tell me whether my decision was right or wrong!”

The entire court was shocked.

Did opposition result in immediate conscription?

Isn’t that too harsh?

Although they weren’t going as frontline soldiers, following the army in the expedition still carried risks. The battlefield does not discriminate, and if the pirates were to attack, they might end up sacrificing themselves heroically.

In reality, Wang Zuo was more concerned about meeting a heroic fate on the way there.

From Nanjing to Guangzhou, there are approximately three thousand miles, and it would take at least two to three months to travel southward. What if he can’t adapt to the local environment? He could end up losing his life in the unfamiliar lands of the Great Ming.

Unfortunately, Wang Zuo’s plea had no effect.

Zhu Yunwen did not give him a chance.

After the court meeting ended, Zhu Yunwen left, and the officials smiled and looked at Li Jinglong.

Yu Xin, Zhang Dan, and Xie Jin, with bowed hands, congratulated, “Upon the new emperor’s ascension, Duke of Cao has been entrusted in the first battle, showing that he has received great blessings from the heavens.”

Li Jinglong’s smile at the corners of his mouth appeared very unnatural.

Received great blessings from the heavens?

Why don’t I feel that at all?

Looking back now, why does it feel like being exiled to Guangzhou?

After accepting sincere or insincere congratulations from the ministers, Li Jinglong returned to King Qiyang’s residence in a state of confusion. He looked at his younger brother, Li Zengzhi, and suddenly asked, “It seems that all the arrangements made by the emperor are our people, right?”

Li Zengzhi frowned and thought for a moment before saying, “Except for Xu Zengshou, most of them are our people! Elder Brother, the arrangements this time, could it be that the Emperor has noticed something?”

Li Jinglong sighed and said, “That’s right. The Emperor has never taken action and remained oblivious to our interactions with the king of Yan. Hehe, I thought he was weak, but it turns out he has been concealing his strength! Our Emperor is not simple!”

Li Zengzhi felt somewhat frustrated and asked, “What should we do? Should we go to Guangzhou?”

Li Jinglong fell into contemplation.

During this period, the Li family had been building relationships with the King of Yan and the King of Ning. They were about to conclude the mourning period, and these vassal kings would soon depart. Li Jinglong had planned to bid them farewell with a heartfelt parting, hoping to meet again in the future.

Unexpectedly, before they could leave, he himself was now being sent away.

If he were to go to Guangzhou, it would mean that the Li family could not serve as support for the King of Yan, the King of Ning, and others.

Li Jinglong understood the principle of being unable to reach faraway goals.

Li Zengzhi didn’t think that far ahead and instead said, “Big brother, we have always wanted to become the foremost noble family, surpassing Xu Huizu. Now, perhaps this is an opportunity.”

“An opportunity? Don’t you think this is a trap?” Li Jinglong’s face turned cold.

Going to Guangzhou, such a distant place, would take at least half a year-round trip, or even up to a year.

If he doesn’t perform well, he might end up staying there for a long time, living his days at sea.

If he does a good job, and Zhu Yunwen is pleased, he might appoint him as the commander of the anti-piracy forces and have him stationed in Guangzhou to fight against the pirates for a long term. That would be the end of his life.

This is simply a massive trap, a treacherous trap that can cost us his lives.

Li Zengzhi smiled and said, “Big brother, don’t worry. The Emperor will never let us stay in Guangzhou for long, and even if we stay, it won’t be for long.”

“Why is that?” Li Jinglong looked at his younger brother in surprise.

Li Zengzhi chuckled, “Firstly if we successfully eliminate the pirates, it’s only natural to return triumphantly. Secondly, if the Emperor doesn’t allow us to return, we can always seek Empress Dowager’s intervention. And besides, isn’t there still the third son of the Xu family? If we don’t come back, can the third son of the Xu family come back? If he returns, then we have to return too, right?”

“The most important thing is that we just need to employ a little strategy. The Emperor will surely need us to go and return early. And when we return, the Duke of Wei, Xu Huizu, will be beneath you, big brother.”

Li Jinglong looked at Li Zengzhi curiously and asked, “What kind of strategy?”

Li Zengzhi leaned in close to Li Jinglong’s ear and whispered, “Confidentially report to the Emperor, claiming that the King of Ning and the King of Yan have ulterior motives.”

Li Jinglong stood up abruptly, pointing at Li Zengzhi, and angrily exclaimed, “How can we do such actions!”

“Brother, please calm down. The key point of what we will inform the emperor is not about the loyalty of the two kings, but rather the close relationship between Xu Huizu and the King of Yan. You must understand that they are relatives by marriage. If the King of Yan rebels, can the emperor trust Xu Huizu, who is the King of Yan’s brother-in-law? Can he entrust the imperial army to his command? Absolutely not!”

Li Zengzhi confidently looked at the contemplative Li Jinglong and added, “Brother, you must know that in the royal court, loyalty is of utmost importance, followed by abilities. Although we may not be as capable as Xu Huizu, if we can excel in loyalty, hehe…”

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