In Zhang Juzheng's view, Prince Yu had always possessed a certain drive, but was long suppressed by Jiajing. After coming of age, he was also held back by his consort, Lady Li. He had never encountered the right turning point, but once he did, he would erupt completely. The current situation was likely that very turning point.
Given Prince Yu's temperament, Zhang Yu's actions in Jiangnan were akin to a public slap in the face. Had it not been for the Emperor's suspicion, he might have endured it. However, with the Emperor now involved, he would be particularly fearful. The thought of his position being unstable would ignite an uncontainable hatred for the Yan family. Even if he couldn't directly retaliate against the Yan family immediately, his resolve was likely set.
Wang Guoguang also said:
"Indeed, I heard about it when I went there this time. During the many battles at Panshan Post, the imperial troops were largely ineffective; it was the troops of Li Chengliang who made the difference."
Zhang Juzheng never concerned himself with such minor details. As long as he could succeed, he didn't care about the methods. This was completely different from Zhu Mo. For instance, in Jiangnan, Zhu Mo was displeased with Chen Ziluan and Wang Rulong, who were also part of the household troops and quite capable.
Thinking of this, he also recalled the two years of reform, feeling a strong sense of nostalgia for Zhu Mo. Despite their conflicts, he remembered how smoothly things went when they worked together, something unprecedented in his life. At this moment of emotion, he could only sigh and say:
"The auxiliary troops and household soldiers naturally have their issues… When I was in Jiangnan and saw Zhu Mo release the indentured servants, the reclamation guards he established were truly exemplary. Those volunteers, whom I initially thought were useless, performed no worse than Chen Ziluan's household troops in battle. If there's an opportunity in the future, perhaps Li Chengliang could be made to try Zhu Mo's new garrison system. Household troops, while useful in the short term, will inevitably become a major problem in the long run."
The two listened, finding his words to be very reasonable, clearly moved by the new approach. Of course, if it were before, they would never have believed that released household soldiers could be stronger than organized ones. But seeing Zhu Mo's success over the past two years, they couldn't help but believe.
Liang Menglong said with some emotion: "But at present, the distant water cannot quench the near thirst. It will take time for Li Chengliang to become truly formidable…"
The three parted hastily, and the next morning, Liang Menglong departed the city.
...
Hangzhou,
Poets' Shrine.
Zhu Mo, Yin Shidan, and Zhao Zhenji got along well. Although the two of them, following the superiors' instructions, didn't let him make the final decisions on major matters, they actually consulted him on everything.
Over the past month, the various disturbances had been pacified. The trading guilds had been largely reorganized, with reputable merchants taking the lead, and all false merchants and brokers being excluded. Although no new salt fields were opened, the existing thirty-odd fields had been consolidated. Even some merged workshops had been withdrawn. Although their numbers were still small, the trend was very good and played a significant role in stabilizing morale.
On this day,
after a period of casual conversation, the atmosphere was not as lively as when Hu Zongxian was around, but it was still far better than when Zhang Yu was in charge. Yin Shidan was quite witty and possessed a scholarly air, often taking the group sightseeing, making them cherish the current brief period of peace.
At this time,
Yu Dayou had also returned to Hulu Mountain. A few days prior, he reported to the Governor's office, discussing many of his experiences in Nanyang. Zhu Mo personally visited the naval base again to inquire about Na Lixuan's situation. Yu Dayou praised her highly, stating that not only the people of Baim Luo but also the various countries of Nanyang were very optimistic about her. As for the Franks, they were expected to counterattack quickly, but there had been no sign of them. Rumors suggested that there were some changes occurring within their own country.
At this,
Yin Shidan sighed:
"Based on this, Na Lixuan might not necessarily lose to Mang Yinglong. That makes things interesting. I didn't expect the situation in the north to be like this, and Nanyang is the same. Everywhere, the rise and fall of nations are inherently similar…"
Mm-hmm,
Zhao Zhenji also said:
"In the overseas territories today, there is Oda in the east, Na Lixuan in the south, and Anda in the north; all can be called heroes of their time… Yet our Great Ming appears exhausted… If the Franks were to return, sending their navy from India, the situation would be quite different."
Zhu Mo was pleased to hear that Na Lixuan could establish a foothold and was fortifying her defenses in the north. Although her navy had not yet become a major force, it was already quite formidable in Nanyang. After all, warships equipped with Great Ming's iron bodhisattvas, even if only twenty, let alone fifty, would be enough to deter one region.
This news was naturally quite pleasing. After all, Na Lixuan tying down Mang Yinglong had basically achieved the initial objective. The remaining question was indeed the Franks, but this country currently lacked the capacity. Zhu Mo remembered this and immediately said:
"You two may not know, but the Franks' internal affairs are in disarray. For thirty years, private pirates have been rampant. Those with influence within the country have sent out their own fleets for colonization, and the royal family has been unable to restrain them… The current Regent, who gained power illegitimately, is constantly eyed by royalists. Suoza and Meiluo were both heavily defeated in the east, and the Regent is too preoccupied with his own affairs to retaliate. I believe Nanyang will have three to five years of peace, and if Na Lixuan seizes the opportunity, she may well sweep away Mang Yinglong…"
The two found his words plausible, yet hard to believe. After all, Na Lixuan was similar to this young Zhu Mo, around nineteen or twenty years old. Could she truly be so remarkable?
Just then, a figure flickered at the doorway, and an yamen runner rushed in like a ghost, shouting:
"Sir! Something has happened in Jingdezhen!"
"Jingdezhen has erupted!"
Crash!
The three of them stood up simultaneously. Zhao Zhenji immediately became flustered, repeatedly saying:
"Don't panic! Explain slowly!"
The runner was from the Supervisor of Kilns' yamen and had traveled from Jingdezhen for a day and a night. Upon being reprimanded by Zhao Zhenji, he quieted down for a moment and then said:
"Esteemed officials, Supervisor of Kilns Shen Chun has instructed me to report, to report…"
Just as he was about to speak, he stopped himself, his eyes fixed on Zhu Mo with a look of distrust.
Zhao Zhenji said angrily:
"These are all superior officials here. Speak what you have to say quickly, do not conceal anything!"
The man immediately trembled and said:
"Yes, it's like this… In Jingdezhen, an imperial censor came down, and someone discovered a batch of kiln-fired porcelain. They were all adorned with the Emperor's five-clawed dragon motif ascending into the clouds, but upon investigation, they were not imperial wares… This, this is a grave offense of usurpation! With the censor present, Director Shen searched everywhere and finally found out they were fired by newly arrived private kiln owners. Those new private kiln owners refused to comply, and that's when the unrest began… Later, rumors suddenly spread, saying, um, they said that Grand Scholar Zhu ordered them to fire them…"
What?
Damn it!
Zhu Mo was instantly amused and exasperated. He had guessed that something had gone wrong again.
He let out a long breath and said calmly:
"Don't worry, I didn't order anyone to do this… You, you explain the situation first. What do you mean by 'erupted'?"
Hearing his tone and seeing the man's disheveled and panicked state, he surmised that the matter was not minor and settled down.