Zhu Mo understood immediately—
The Great Ming warships had no long-range attack capabilities; this entire approach was for close combat and useless at a distance.
He mused that his fire dragon ships, mother-child ships, and linked ships still had some utility. These were small ships for suicide attacks, and suicide attacks were effective weapons for the weak to overcome the strong. However, the Ming’s suicide small ships were quite humane. For instance, the linked ships, like a train, would anchor to an enemy vessel at the front and then detach, with the rear escaping. This way, the crew wouldn't die. Unlike the Japanese pirates' Kamikaze ships, which were a one-way trip.
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He anticipated a grueling battle and felt a touch of impatience, urging,
“General Yu, I believe we must be quick. Have them practice first and see which ships they are best suited for, how many men per ship, and what tactics to employ. It will be too late if we delay.”
Yu Dayou, however, was confident and declared, “Yes, alright! I’ll have them train and see. Your cannons are also needed…”
Thinking of the urgent matters, Zhu Mo immediately rode back to Hangzhou on a fast horse, instructing Zheng Qin to bring the entire contingent and transport all thirty-five cannons to the northern water fort in Hangzhou Bay.
Estimating the time, three to four more days passed. Anxious about the protests in the four provinces, he directly went to Guanyin Temple to summon Wu Ming and Wu Liang, bringing them back to the Lyricists’ Shrine.
Upon arrival, dusk was gathering.
Outside the Lyricists’ Shrine, countless merchants and civilians were still gathered, acting as if injected with stimulant. Their voices hoarse, they continued to shout, “Kill Zhu Mo, Save the Great Ming!”
Zhu Mo naturally ignored them. With ten arquebusiers, he entered the inner hall without even looking. The arquebusiers stood guard outside the door, causing the rioters to retreat.
Zhang Juzheng was already overwhelmed. Upon seeing Zhu Mo, he exclaimed in surprise, “Ah, Zixuan, why did you go to Xiamen at this critical juncture? Looking at the current situation, we cannot afford further delays! We are caught between the Japanese pirates and the civil unrest; we must come up with a plan!”
Zhu Mo had been away for a few days, and upon his return, he observed the situation—
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The slogans of the Hangzhou populace were now blatant, explicitly calling for a halt to the reforms and even demanding the execution of Zhu Mo and punishment for Zhang Juzheng. This indicated that the situation had entered a new phase.
He knew the matter could no longer be delayed and calmly stated,
“Brother Ta Yue, I was also intending to bring this to a conclusion!”
…
Soon,
Both sides’ contingents had assembled. From Kuaishu Ge.
After listening to Yu Dayou’s assessment, Zhu Mo’s thoughts solidified, and he spoke first, directly addressing the assembly:
“Everyone, the current situation is dire. If we delay any further, the Great Ming Dynasty will face a colossal upheaval! We have been implementing reforms in Jiangnan for over half a year, and it is impossible to withdraw now! Everyone must see the situation clearly; our only course of action is to fight with all our might!”
Hearing his grave words, and knowing that he had brought Yu Dayou’s fleet, everyone held their breath, sensing that a decisive battle was imminent.
Seeing that everyone was focused, Zhu Mo cleared his throat and said, “Wu Da, Wu Er, tell us what you have discovered…”
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Wu Ming’s expression was also solemn. Without looking at anyone, he stated directly:
“We have investigated thoroughly. The Manchu slave who set fire to the Tiantangji workshop was named Yan Fugui, originally a house attendant of Minister Dong Fen of Nanxun. After Scholar Zhu abolished slavery, he became adrift in Hangzhou and found an old friend of his master, Xu Yang of Tiantangji.
Xu Yang, acting under the instructions of Yan Maoqing and Luo Longwen, led Lu Guozhu, Chen Feng, Shen Fei, and others to set fire to three workshops belonging to Tiantangji, Wanhe Silk Shop, and Jin Tianxia respectively. We found that Xu Yang was also responsible for the arson on the day of the fire. Through investigations from multiple sources in the past few days, we have confirmed that the arson incident was personally orchestrated by Yan Maoqing. Both witness and material evidence are available.”
Hiss!
Wow!
The crowd, initially helpless and uncertain of Zhu Mo’s activities, was enlightened by the informant’s testimony—
Zhu Mo was, after all, Zhu Mo!
This man always knew how to make a comeback from desperate situations…
Seeing the awe on everyone’s faces, Zhu Mo thought, If I waited for them to handle it, it would be too late…
He then gestured to Wu Liang.
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Wu Liang cleared his throat and said,
“We discovered that the city-wide merchant strike was instigated and coordinated by several individuals, most importantly the heads of the silk, tea, and salt industries: Shen Yi, Gu Yun, and Jin Hairong. These three, along with over ten other industry heads and more than a hundred of their subordinates, orchestrated the connections across various trades. We have found that Shen Yi, Gu Yun, and Jin Hairong received two hundred thousand taels of silver from Yan Maoqing. Both witness and material evidence are available.
Furthermore, the recent disturbances among merchants and civilians were led by Xu Yang, Shen Yi, Gu Yun, Jin Hairong, and over twenty other industry heads. The slaves and house attendants leading the unrest have also been identified; they are all house attendants of these industry heads and wealthy merchants, with a few from the households of scholars and officials. Both witness and material evidence are available.”
Hiss…
The crowd finally recalled that when Zhu Mo first arrived in Jiangnan, he had employed a Jin Yi Wei (Imperial Guard), who in turn had two subordinates that handled cases. This suggested that these two individuals were part of the Jin Yi Wei? Otherwise, how could they have investigated so thoroughly?
After Zhang Juzheng listened and carefully considered, he found everything to be credible. Overjoyed, he clapped his hands and said, “Zixuan, you never cease to surprise… This is excellent! Let us now discuss how to proceed!”
The assembled officials, having been under immense pressure from the unfolding events, finally breathed a collective sigh of relief, their faces filled with excitement as they looked admiringly at the Wu brothers.
Gui Youguang, the most upright, declared indignantly,
“My recommendation is to arrest them immediately!”
“Agreed!”
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“Arrest them all!”
“Justice must be served!”
“The civil unrest must be quelled!”
“Scholar Zhu, Minister Zhang, issue the order!”
Zhu Mo, however, smiled calmly and said, “Arrest, of course, we must… but timing is also important. Brother Ta Yue, Yu Dayou believes the Japanese pirates will land within three days, attacking either Taizhou卫 or Jinshan卫. What are everyone’s thoughts on defense? That is the paramount concern.”
Zhang Juzheng exclaimed, “So that’s how it is! The tides are favorable these past few days; the pirates’ warships are large, and they can come quickly with the wind…”
At this statement,
Zhu Mo couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration. In certain aspects, this man was still superior to him. After this turmoil was quelled, he would need to consider how to guard against this person…
At this moment,
Liu Yingjie suddenly said,
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“Scholar Zhu, Grand Secretary Zhang, your subordinate believes that executing these individuals when the Japanese pirates land would be most appropriate. This way, the populace will understand that these two matters are connected. Once most of the people realize the pirates are behind it, they will cease their rioting…”
Clap clap clap!
Clap clap!
Applause erupted.
Everyone unanimously agreed.
Zhang Juzheng glanced at Zhang Siwei and Ma Ziqiang, thinking: Zhu Mo’s personnel are so capable, while you are all scholars. After this unrest is settled, the struggle over reforms will resume. At that time, I will be confronting Zhu Mo. If his personnel are so formidable, and you do not strive and improve, how will you contend?
Zhang Siwei, Ma Ziqiang, and Shen Shixing lowered their heads, realizing that Zhu Mo indeed had strong forces and employed highly skilled individuals; they were far inferior.
The plan was decided,
and everyone departed to carry out their respective duties.