Zheng Chenggong's feeling was unusual when he led an army on an expedition for the first time. He hoped to make a great contribution, which would not only enhance his voice within the family, but also further strengthen his own claims.

Zheng Chenggong has always believed in his overall view. He believes that his father Zheng Zhilong's views and understanding are too narrow, which is not conducive to the development and growth of the Zheng family. In the past, the Zheng family suffered endless suppression because there was no help from outside forces.

Whether in Fujian or at sea, he had no power or status. He relied entirely on his own hard work to accumulate a certain amount of wealth. Later, his father Zheng Zhilong was appeased by Xiong Wencan, the governor of Fujian, and submitted to the Ming Dynasty. He was able to establish himself in Fujian.

It was only through a large investment in money that they were able to gain a foothold in Quanzhou. The Zheng family truly established itself in Fujian and became a family that everyone admired, only after they supported Tang Wang Zhu Yujian to the throne and the Longwu court was established.

Reality is the best example. In the past, the navy of the Zheng family was invincible at sea and could defeat any opponent, but they did not have any status or power. After submitting to the Ming Dynasty, all this slowly changed, and they supported

After Emperor Longwu, the status of the Zheng family rose rapidly, surpassing those of the scholar-bureaucrat families.

Therefore, Zheng Chenggong understood that the Zheng family still needed help and had to deal with the relationship with the Longwu court.

The expedition against the rogue Zhang Xianzhong was a measure that Zheng Chenggong spared no effort in. Without his persistence, the Zheng family would not have been able to send troops. However, it was impossible to defeat Zhang Xianzhong with the strength of the Zheng family alone. Zheng Chenggong knew this very well, so he could

Whether to allow Zhejiang Commander-in-Chief Liu Zeqing and Shanxi Commander-in-Chief Liu Liangzuo to send troops has become the most critical factor in this expedition.

Zheng Chenggong even understood that the Zheng family only relied on and used the Longwu court, but it could never harm its own interests. If the Zheng family devoted everything to the Longwu court, the final outcome would be to be completely abandoned and suppressed by the court.

.

Zheng Chenggong is very calm and has a long-term vision. Although his temper is a bit violent, when he really faces major decisions, he is very calm and can make the judgment that is most beneficial to him.

It was already mid-March when the army arrived outside the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Zheng Chenggong was ready for hard persuasion. The imperial edict in his arms was not very effective. It was impossible for Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo to act in accordance with the emperor's edict.

People outside the city had already greeted them, and Zheng Chenggong's army was settled in a temporary military camp outside the city. What was even more rare was that Liu Zeqing actually provided part of the food and grass.

Zheng Chenggong did not rest and immediately set off for the capital city. In order to show his true sincerity, he only brought a few guards with him, and the rest of the soldiers were waiting in the military camp.

There were people waiting at the city gate for a long time, leading Zheng Chenggong and his party into the city and directly to the Zhejiang General Military Mansion.

Zheng Chenggong, who was riding a horse, had no intention of observing the wealth and prosperity in Hangzhou. What he was thinking about was how to get Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo to agree to send troops to Huguang for conquest.

If Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo agree to send troops, Zheng Chenggong's method of fighting is to launch a real attack on Zhang Xianzhong's troops. He does not seek to defeat Zhang Xianzhong, but must severely suppress Zhang Xianzhong's arrogance. At the same time, Gao Jie of Guangdong will also follow the emperor's imperial edict.

According to the request, Zhang Xianzhong launched a feint attack on Huguang from the Shaoguan area, forcing Zhang Xianzhong to divide his troops and fight on two fronts.

If Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo did not agree to send troops, Zheng Chenggong's march to Huguang could only be a show-off, to show off a certain momentum, and then return to Fujian. This was nothing more than an explanation to the emperor and the court.

Zheng Chenggong, who was leading an army for the first time, of course hoped to show off well. If he could defeat the vanguard sent by Zhang Xianzhong, that would be the best situation.

Still a hundred meters away from the Zhejiang General Military Mansion, Zheng Chenggong dismounted.

Several people stood at the door of the General Military Mansion, which surprised Zheng Chenggong. He walked forward quickly, even surpassing the person leading the way.

"This is General Zheng Chenggong. I am Liu Zeqing, the commander-in-chief of Zhejiang. This is Liu Liangzuo, the commander-in-chief of Shanxi. We have been waiting for the arrival of General Zheng. We were not able to go to the city gate to greet him just now. Please forgive me, General Zheng.

..”

Zheng Chenggong looked at Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo, clasped his fists and spoke quickly.

"Don't dare, don't dare. The two commander-in-chiefs are waiting outside the house. I can't thank you enough. This time I led the troops to Zhejiang, which has caused a lot of trouble to the two commander-in-chiefs..."

Liu Zeqing waved his hand to Zheng Chenggong.

"Everywhere, we are all a family. General Zheng, please come in. A banquet has been prepared in the house..."

Zheng Chenggong clasped his fists once again and followed him towards the house. At this time, he was very sober. Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo did not need to be so enthusiastic. Maybe there was something mysterious about it.

The banquet has been set up, with two tables in total. Liu Zeqing, Liu Liangzuo and Zheng Chenggong are at a separate table in the back room. The soldiers who followed Zheng Chenggong are arranged in the outer room and are accompanied by others.

There was a wine bowl on the table. Liu Zeqing personally picked up the wine jar, patted off the sealing mud, and opened the lid.

A strong aroma of wine spread throughout the room.

"General Zheng, this is the daughter's red that has been treasured for decades. I'm going to drink it today..."

Zheng Chenggong had a smile on his face, but he was a little uneasy in his heart. He was here to announce the decree, or to urge Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo to send troops. He was not here to drink and eat meat. However, in this scene, it was impossible for him to say anything else.

words.

"You two commander-in-chiefs are very polite. Let's drink together..."

The wine is really good, with a light sweetness in your mouth.

After drinking three bowls of wine in one breath, Zheng Chenggong put down the bowl.

People in the army will be looked down upon if they cannot drink. Moreover, the army eats meat in large quantities and drinks in large bowls. As long as they get together, most of them will never return without getting drunk. Especially during the expedition, who will

I don’t know if I will have another chance to eat meat and drink wine after this meal.

"It is indeed a good wine. The more you drink it, the sweeter it becomes. When the two commander-in-chiefs come to Fujian, I will definitely prepare a banquet and treat you with the best wine..."

Liu Zeqing laughed.

"General Zheng, Brother Liu and I will definitely go to Fujian to harass Marquis Pinglu and General Zheng in the future. Come, let's go..."

After drinking two bowls of wine again, Zheng Chenggong's face turned slightly red, and when he picked up the wine bowl, his movements slowed down.

Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo naturally saw it.

Until Zheng Chenggong weakly waved his hand, indicating that he could drink no more, the three of them had already drank eight bowls of wine.

Although the alcohol content of the aged Nuer Hong is not very high, drinking it so boldly requires a certain tolerance.

Soon, Zheng Chenggong was helped to the guest room of the General Military Mansion for a temporary rest.

After the door was closed, Zheng Chenggong sat up straight and his eyes became sharp.

He could still bear this amount of wine, and the gesture just now was just fake. If he was drunk, he would definitely miss something. Besides, the emperor's imperial edict was still on him. If it was lost, it would be a major mistake.

...

Liu Liangzuo was also resting in the guest room, while Liu Zeqing was alone, pacing in the side room.

Liu Zeqing was very clear about Zheng Chenggong's purpose of coming to Hangzhou. Many things that happened before that flashed through his mind one by one. Expressing his position and sending troops were necessary. This was something that could not be avoided. Before Zheng Chenggong arrived in Hangzhou Fucheng,

Liu Zeqing has discussed in detail with Liu Liangzuo. Liu Zeqing will send 20,000 troops, and Liu Liangzuo will send 30,000 troops. The two will share the expenses required for the expedition, and the money and food obtained from the expedition will also be shared between the two.

But when things came to pass, Liu Zeqing still felt a little hurt. After transferring 20,000 sergeants under his command, only 30,000 were left. The strength was much weaker. And how many of the 20,000 sergeants who went on an expedition could come back?

, it is currently unknown. If Zheng Chenggong conserves his strength and lets him and the sergeants under Liu Liangzuo go on an expedition, it is hard to say what the outcome will be.

There is no way to go back on a promise, not to mention that there are extremely critical factors involved.

His fist hit the desk hard, and Liu Zeqing finally made up his mind. If he sent troops to assist Zheng Chenggong in his crusade in Huguang, he could still maintain his strength. If he was unwilling to send troops, he would probably lose everything.

"Damn it, the worst case scenario is that you have to fight, so just take this gamble. Once you do it well, everything will be fine from now on..."

When Liu Zeqing walked out of the wing, the captain of the soldiers waiting outside immediately reported.

"Sir, General Zheng has woken up. He just said that he wanted to meet you, my lord, and also meet Mr. Liu Liangzuo..."

Liu Zeqing was stunned for a moment, looked at the soldier captain, and spoke unconsciously.

"What are you talking about? General Zheng woke up so soon..."

The captain of the guard clasped his fists and spoke.

"Sir, I feel that General Zheng did not drink too much..."

Liu Zeqing smiled slightly.

"I see. In that case, go and invite Mr. Liu to the reception room, and we will discuss it in the reception room..."

...

When he walked out of the reception room, Zheng Chenggong had a look of joy on his face.

Liu Zeqing sent 20,000 troops, and Liu Liangzuo sent 30,000 troops. They also had to prepare sufficient food and grass.

Zheng Chenggong did not expect that things would go so smoothly. He did not read out the emperor's imperial edict and handed it directly to Liu Zeqing.

Politely declining Liu Zeqing's invitation again, Zheng Chenggong left the city on horseback.

Zheng Zhibao was waiting outside the city. After seeing Zheng Chenggong's expression, he let out a long breath.

"Success, everything is fine."

Zheng Chenggong nodded vigorously.

"Everything is fine. Both Liu Zeqing and Liu Liangzuo are willing to send troops. Liu Zeqing will send 20,000 troops and Liu Liangzuo will send 30,000 troops. This will bring our total military strength to 100,000. After entering Huguang, we can do a lot of work.
Chapter completed!