Guangzong Yaoming

Chapter 425 The stars shine
"Three thousand! As long as there are fifteen thousand soldiers, fifteen thousand brave men, I will lead twenty warships to go first, and the merchant ships of Haimaohang and Takumi Tuanlianyang will follow! Victory will come before summer!"

On the ninth day of November in the Macau naval port, Fubo Hou Shen Yourong patted his chest and looked expectantly at the interpreter Fu, who had already been appointed as an official maritime advisor.

"Twenty?"

Shen Yourong was anxious: "We don't need that many ships just to take them down. After we take them down, we must keep at least ten ships to stabilize the situation over there! The 1,500 brave men should be left behind."

The interpreter stroked his long beard and thought for a while before he said, "Prime Minister Yuan is still in Hunan. Although the imperial edict and the military order from the court have arrived, they just ask us to be prepared..."

"What else do we need to prepare?" Shen Yourong paced back and forth in front of him. "In Malacca, the Portuguese have at most 20 to 30 ships there, and many of them are centipede ships, which are fast but weak! The battle plan has long been reported to the courtyard, and the soldiers are just waiting for the order! Chief of Staff Jie, the opportunity cannot be missed!"

"Is it a good time to set out now?" The Scripture Explanation Master shook his head helplessly. "The New Year is approaching, how can the soldiers be willing to go on a long expedition?"

"Because the New Year is approaching, it is a good time!" Shen Yourong sat down. "Jie Canhai, think about it. If we delay any further, it will easily be delayed until the turn of spring and summer, and the wind direction will change a bit. Besides, we have made careful preparations here, so how can we be sure that no one in Nandu will go over to tip off?"

The interpreter of the scriptures did not make any comment.

"We will naturally spare no effort to destroy the Portuguese warships. What about Malacca? After all, there are merchants and civilians from all over the country in it! By then, most of the Han merchants there will have returned home to celebrate the festival, and there will be fewer accidental casualties when the officers and soldiers attack the city. Of course, in my opinion, the sudden arrival of the surprise attack will be devastating, and as long as we lose the naval battle, they will surrender! Besides, it seems that Westerners also have a big festival in winter, and most of their merchant ships that can participate in the war usually go back to the West to celebrate the festival at this time."

"There is such a festival." The scripture interpreter nodded and said with a smile, "Marquis Fubo has done a lot of homework."

"How dare I neglect you!" Shen Yourong looked at him, "Is Xie Canhai worried about being blamed by the court and Prime Minister Yuan?"

The Master of Explanation of Scriptures became serious and said slowly: "We still have to follow the rules! You and I have been in Nandu for five or six years. In the future, the Nanyang Xingang Xuanwei Division will be even farther away, and we must have a clear order before we can send troops!"

Shen Yourong's excitement could only fade away reluctantly, and he let out a long sigh.

Although Yuan Keli had not yet arrived in Guangdong, the imperial edict from the capital and the military order from the Privy Council made one thing clear: seize Malacca, set up a new port Xuanwei Division, complete the first major event of the South China Sea naval war, and then plan for Japan.

However, a sentence was added to the decree: Let the Privy Councilor Yuan Keli go to the Southern Capital to discuss with the Beiyang Fleet before sending troops.

Therefore, although the maritime staff officer Jie Jingfu and the current admiral of the South China Sea Fleet Shen Yourong have been preparing here for many years, they still have to wait for Yuan Keli.

"Lord Shen, when the Fuzhou governor requested to destroy the nest, you were originally going to lead the mission, but unfortunately it didn't happen. Are you worried about staying in Nanyang for too long?"

The commentator was talking about what happened in the 26th year of the Wanli reign.

At that time, the peace talks failed and the Korean War broke out again. The intelligence that the Ming Dynasty received was that Toyotomi Hideyoshi was preparing to attack the Ming Dynasty from both north and south, by land and sea. For a time, Zhejiang and Fujian had to be prepared and ready.

Jin Xuezeng, then governor of Fujian, believed that with so many naval forces gathered, instead of constantly wasting food and supplies to guard against the Japanese enemies who might arrive at any time, it would be better to take the initiative to attack through Ryukyu and reach Japan, forcing the Japanese pirates to withdraw from Korea.

The court adopted this suggestion, but of course believed that some preparations should be made first to find out the strength of the enemy's lair.

Although Jin Xuezeng was good at strategy, he lacked naval talent in tactics. After searching for a while, he found Shen Yourong and made him the commander of Haitan. Shen Yourong thought of a way to send people to investigate. Finally, in the 26th year of Wanli, he learned that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had died. Jin Xuezeng immediately requested to send troops to rush over while they might have internal strife.

Unfortunately, the Japanese troops in the court had already begun to retreat, and the court at that time believed that the goal had been achieved, so it did not continue with this matter.

For Shen Yourong, who deeply hated the Japanese pirates for wreaking havoc in the southeast and invading Korea, it was certainly a pity that he was unable to "use the strange method to poke the acupoints" at that time.

"When I was in General Qi's camp, I heard so many stories about the Japanese pirates! Those pirates were as cruel as beasts and had no conscience! Now that Your Majesty has the ambition to eliminate this threat and is willing to use me, I naturally want to fulfill my long-cherished wish as soon as possible! I am not underestimating the Portuguese, Xie Canhai also knows that. The current situation in Southeast Asia is not the same as when Jin Futai and I were completely in the dark about the Japanese pirates' lair..."

"Of course I know, but the rules are the rules, not to mention the military..."

The interpreter changed the subject and discussed with Shen Yourong the solution from the perspective of making preparations in secret and waiting for Yuan Keli to arrive.

After a while, someone outside came to report that there was a new military order from the Privy Council's headquarters.

The two of them were startled when they saw the bronze box.

"Jie Canhai!" Shen Yourong was a little excited.

The interpreter Fu Linran nodded and ordered someone to bring him the key.

The copper boxes were used to pass orders to the highest military secretaries. The generals who led the army did not have the keys. The Privy Councilor, the two deputy Privy Councilors, the Chief of Staff and the two deputy chiefs of staff, plus the "Civil Supervisor" of the Five Military Command Office, there were only eleven keys in total among the important officials of the Privy Council, and they all belonged to one person.

The Privy Council was no longer checked and balanced by other government offices, but it still maintained internal rule of civil over military power.

The interpreter opened the bronze box and saw two pieces of paper inside.

As soon as he saw the one above, he knelt down in front of the bronze box on the table and said, "Your servant Shen Yourong accepts the decree and reads it!"

Shen Yourong watched from a distance, clenching his fists, feeling nervous and expectant.

All he saw was that Master Jiejing stood up and read one copy first, then picked up another copy, and after he finished reading it, he turned around and looked at Shen Yourong silently.

"...What is the decree?" Shen Yourong asked.

"According to the order, Admiral of the Nanyang Fleet, Fubo Hou Shen Yourong, listen to the order!"

"I am here!" Shen Yourong replied immediately and saluted.

"Hurry back to the camp and accompany the Nanyang Fleet's Chief Inspector, Military Preparations Co-Director, and Military Strategy Counselor to attend the meeting in front of this command hall."

"Has the command been decided?"

Shen Yourong then smiled and showed him the paper: "Your Majesty has used the imperial seal and the seals of the three Privy Councils to order me to concurrently serve as the commander-in-chief of the Malacca occupation front, to dispatch troops as appropriate, and to work with the Southern Capital Governor's government affairs and the Southern Capital branches such as the Lifanyuan and Guanchanyuan to jointly implement the establishment of the Xingang Xuanwei Division. Admiral Shen, go and execute the military order as soon as possible. I will also invite other people to attend the meeting. If it's quick, the fleet can leave the port within five days!"

"The general will obey your orders!"

Shen Yourong was genuinely delighted. He nodded heavily to the interpreter, then turned and left.

The scripture interpreter then continued to look at the piece of paper in his hand, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

It is really as immovable as a mountain and as aggressive as fire. Once the higher-ups make a decision, many aspects are actually taken into consideration. The reason why this decree and the new military order were delayed by a day or two is probably because they had to go through the necessary procedures and stamp the necessary seals.

He quickly ordered people to go to various places. Nandu, which had been peaceful for several years, was about to move.

At this time, across the sea to the east, the Southern Capital of the Ming Dynasty was still in its infancy. The governor of the Southern Capital was Zhao Shiqing, who had served as the Minister of Revenue of the two capitals.

The eight ministers of the Ming Dynasty have a new unspoken rule: anyone who has served as the chief minister of the three capitals will have a chance to become a prime minister, as long as he is not too old.

But Zhao Shiqing knew that he could not wait any longer, after all, he was already seventy-six years old.

But among the local officials, only the chief ministers of the three capitals were of the first rank, which was actually considered half a step to becoming a prime minister.

Now he seems to be raising a child, raising Nandu.

In front of him, there are young people who are really like children.

Even though the child is already 28 years old.

"Chang Geng, I have seen all the hard work you have put into running the school in Nandu over the past two years. However, there is no rush to build Nandu University. His Majesty appointed you to come to Nandu to be the president of Nandu University because he knows you are young."

"...I feel ashamed. Although many of the scholars of the Institute of Research have repeatedly sent me letters to invite me, and the Ministry of Culture and Education and Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian have also been helping me, they are still far away in the southern capital, and the West is even farther away..."

The person who spoke was Song Yingxing. In the 13th year of Taichang, he passed the imperial examination and officially entered Zhu Changluo's field of vision.

There is nothing much to say. A very difficult task was given to him: to go to the newly established Nandu to plan and build Nandu University.

For him, it was a training. For Zhu Changluo, he wanted to set up a scientific research center in the future Nandu - Nandu will definitely have more developed industry and commerce in the future, and will also have the geographical advantage of being closer to Europe. Although the current discipline system and long-term scientific research investment in the Ming Dynasty have become more decent and continuous, collisions and exchanges are still conducive to scientific research progress.

Today, Nandu University is called a university, but in fact it is a combination of elementary school, technical school and scientific research institute. There is no other reason. Guangdong and Fujian have their own education system and affiliated universities, so why do we have to go to Nandu?
Therefore, Nandu University had to shoulder the responsibility of being the official school of Nandu on the one hand, and train professionals in diplomacy, trade accounting, foreign languages, etc. on the other hand, and finally European scholars who visited or settled in the East for research at the invitation of Western patrons such as Galileo.

All things are difficult at the beginning, and Song Yingxing sometimes feels confused.

When the emperor summoned him alone, his eyes were clearly quite enthusiastic, so why did he let him waste his time here?

"Chang Geng, don't you see it very clearly?" Zhao Shiqing comforted him, "Since we can't rush, then we can rely on the geographical advantage and do a good job in the Nanyang Academy entrusted by His Majesty. If this Nanyang Academy gathers classics from all over the world, why worry that scholars will not come?"

Song Yingxing nodded: "Students are educated, but they are impetuous."

"So, there is no need to worry if Nandu doesn't produce any candidates this year. The funds for building the school, laboratory building, and the academy have been set long ago, so the capital will not be short of money. You don't have to worry or feel ashamed." Zhao Shiqing looked at him meaningfully, "I am old, but Xu Duling is still young. He was transferred from the Ministry of Culture and Education to Nandu Duling. How could he not understand your majesty's long-term considerations? You can go directly to the Executive Yuan."

The governor only takes charge of the direction and ensures that other officials do not deviate from the court's requirements.

Song Yingxing came to visit specifically because he was worried that Nandu University and Nandu College were spending money like water but achieving little results.

But isn’t there money flowing like water everywhere in Nandu?

After all, the imperial court was building a new capital on the border of Southeast Asia. Building roads and bridges, constructing houses and building cities, all of which would cost a lot of money.
But the fact that Xu Guangqi, who had passed the imperial examination in the first year of Taichang and was only one step away from becoming a prime minister, came to Nando meant that His Majesty and the court were willing to spend money in Nando.

Of course, the money you spend will eventually pay off.

Song Yingxing, a new official who had been in office for less than three years, could only go to the Executive Yuan with trepidation. He admired Xu Duling, both for his knowledge and his talent.

However, Xu Duling is very busy with official duties and can't spare much time to take care of Nandu University.

Song Yingxing has been an official for more than two years, but now he is becoming more and more confused about the significance of the court spending so much money on Nandu University.

After arriving at the Executive Yuan, he waited for a long time before getting a meeting time with Xu Guangqi.

As soon as he saw him, Xu Guangqi said, "I know! I know you are anxious and uncertain, but don't worry. The budget for next year's Nandu has been submitted to the capital, and the grand political conference will naturally approve it at the end of the year. I used to be the academic director of Baijiayuan, so you take your time. It will be soon, and it won't take long. Nandu University is different from the Guangdong branch of the Imperial College!"

"...How different can the capital be?" Song Yingxing was a little depressed. "The southern capital is not much better than the countryside now. There are many foreigners and barbarians from the Nanyang vassal states. Scholars would rather study in Guangzhou."

"It's different, Nandu University specializes in natural science!" Xu Guangqi laughed, "It's okay now, because something has not been developed yet. When that thing is developed, it will be a new world."

"…What could have such miraculous effects?"

"If we want to build iron ships that can sail without wind in the future, where can we learn these knowledge?" Xu Guangqi patted his shoulder. "Just follow the school regulations set by the court! There is no other way now. Since Portugal and Ming Dynasty started fighting, the Westerners think that there are frequent wars here and dare not come. This will not last long. I have personally written to some of Galileo's disciples and friends. They are actually envious of the treatment of many Western tributes in Ming Dynasty."

"..."

"I am indeed busy. Let's put it this way. If you feel ashamed of your majesty's trust, you should make some achievements on your own first. Whether it is in the study of nature or in the translation and compilation of classics, lay a good foundation. Alas, I am not as happy as I was in Baijiayuan..."

So Song Yingxing really got the "results" as Zhao Shiqing said, but he felt empty inside.

Here on the shores of the South China Sea, he always feels that he is dispensable. Then why did Your Majesty summon him alone among the Jinshi candidates of that year?
At this moment, Zhu Changluo in Beijing was looking at another memorial, muttering with a strange expression: "Lu Xiangsheng..."

"Your Majesty, what's wrong?" Wang Wei asked habitually when he heard the emperor suddenly speak.

During the time when Liu Ruoyu was away, she was a bit like the imperial eunuch, and the emperor would always ask her to deliver orders.

Zhu Changluo shook his head and said no more.

Who would have thought that Yuan Keli and Lu Xiangsheng would suddenly meet? In Henan...

But the fact that Yuan Keli suddenly mentioned this in his memorial shows that when the two met, Yuan Keli did think that this boy was a civil official suitable to enter the Privy Council in the future.

This made Zhu Changluo curious. He was only a teenager and had not received any special care over the years. What kind of knowledge and insight had he accumulated?
Zhu Changluo put the memorial down with a smile, feeling relaxed.

Just like Tian Le and Shen Yourong, people whom he didn't have a deep impression of before but who indeed had extraordinary talents, which one of them was simple and could leave their names in history?
The Ming Dynasty is full of talented people; all it needs is a fairer and more open stage.

It was snowing heavily outside the palace. Lu Xiangsheng had just arrived in Zhending Prefecture and was watching people burning lime and cement in Jingxing.

"Thousands of hammers and chisels carved out the deep mountains, and the raging fire burned as if it were nothing. I am not afraid of being torn to pieces, but I want to leave my innocence in the world." Lu Xiangsheng sighed, "Lord Zhongsu wrote this poem at the age of twelve, and my generation is far behind."

"...Master, who is Lord Zhongsu?"

"...You are too lazy to learn more, but you love to brag." Lu Xiangsheng looked at the cement road in the distance with an expectant look in his eyes, "Let's go and see what the capital city looks like!"

(End of this chapter)