Chapter 591 How long can Zhang Zhun stay in North Korea?

"The Grand Governor of the Ming Dynasty's Later Army Governor's Office, the general officer of Dongjiang Town, is also in charge of military affairs of Dengzhou Prefecture and Laizhou Prefecture, and the admiral of Dengzhou Navy, Zhang Zhun, and Lord Zhang are here!"

When Zhang Zhun came outside Qingyun Palace, the voice of the singer rang out loud.

The banquet hall of Qingyun Palace suddenly became quiet. All the guests who had arrived hurriedly stood up to welcome Zhang Zhun's arrival. Tonight's Qingyun Palace is brightly lit and magnificent. The long red carpet extends from the door to a hundred feet away. There are at least two hundred palace maids standing on both sides.

Zhang Zhun walked in with his head held high, followed by Gao Hongtu, Feng Menglong and others. Tonight's banquet was encouraged to bring women, including Ji Yuqing, Xu Qingluan, Chen Lingfei, Yun Shang, Ye Lingxin, Zhu Yijing and other women, and naturally they were dressed up in a colorful manner and arrived in their costumes. Behind them were twenty Tiger Army officers with straight bodies and eyes that were not squinting.

There are already many people in the banquet hall. Except for the people from the Korean royal family, all other ministers have arrived. Dear ministers, plus their respective women, there are at least thousands of people. At first glance, they are all gorgeous clothes and shiny jewelry. Of course, the most core circle is still a few people. Others are just here to accompany them.

"Governor, please come here."

Under the guidance of the ritual officer, Zhang Zhun came to his seat.

"His Majesty the King is here!"

Before Zhang Zhun could sit down, the voice of the singer rang again.

Obviously, the King of Korea, Li Zong, was next to the banquet hall of Qingyun Palace. After Zhang Jun arrived, he came out immediately. In terms of etiquette, there was indeed nothing to be picky about. After all, others are the king of a country, so it is impossible to come first and then wait for Zhang Jun to arrive. Zhang Jun arrived first and he came back, which obviously paid great attention to Zhang Jun.

[Author’s Note: Neither the characters are traditional Chinese, and they are not harmonious, so they decided to be changed to Li Zong and Li Hao. Please pay attention.]

When Li Zong arrived, North Korean officials hurriedly saluted, shouting long live together, and honoring His Majesty the Emperor.

Zhang Zhun, Gao Hongtu and others also stood up, bowed and said in unison: "Meet Your Highness the King."

The Koreans call him Your Majesty because Li Zong is the highest existence in North Korea. Zhang Jun and Gao Hongtu call His Highness because in the Ming Dynasty, Li Zong's position is only equivalent to the level of a prince. North Korea only has a king and no emperor. The Ming Dynasty does not allow existence at the same level as the emperor in its surrounding areas. The Koreans also understand this very well. Therefore, whether in the past, present, or future, North Korea has only a king and no emperor. The Koreans have to kneel down, but Zhang Jun and others do not. This is the benefit of the Celestial Kingdom.

"Governor Zhang came from afar, thanks so much. The soldiers and civilians from North Korea are all grateful."

Li Zong came to Zhang Zhun and had a separate interview with Zhang Zhun. His Chinese language standards were quite standard, and he obviously had received special training. In fact, after Li Chenggui, there were no kings in Korea who were not proficient in Chinese. Because it was impossible for a prince who was not proficient in Chinese to become a king. It seemed that princes like Prince Li Hao received the first education that was pure Chinese. If necessary, Li Hao might have to study abroad in the capital for a year to fully learn the culture of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhang Zhun observed Li Zong calmly. The expression of the Korean king was obviously a little tired, not the fatigue of excessive alcohol and color, but physical and mental fatigue. It seems that in recent years, his life as a king has not been easy. There is no way, the strength of the Tartars is getting stronger and stronger, and the strength of the Ming country is getting smaller and smaller. North Korea is under the pressure of the Tartars and cannot get strong assistance from the Ming country, so life is of course very sad. If it weren't for Zhang Zhun's straw, perhaps he would have to bow to the Tartars.

In fact, Li Zong was indeed very resistant to surrendering to the Tartars. The reason is very simple. In the past, North Korea and the Jurchens were both subordinates of the Ming Dynasty, and their status was equal. Even North Korea's status was a little higher than that of the Jurchens. Now that the Jurchens' status has improved, they have to surrender themselves and call him a love affair. This situation is like a company in a later generation. Two employees who were originally at the same level suddenly improved, forcing the other to call their boss, and the other one was more or less awkward.

"It is the honor of the subordinate to be able to share the worries and problems for His Highness the King. His Highness the King does not have to take care of Yuan Keli's affairs. North Korea is a brotherly country of Ming Dynasty. In the past, now, and in the future."

Zhang Zhun said slowly and calmly.

This is telling Li Zong clearly that I am here to do things and fight against the Tartars. North Korea's difficulties are my difficulties. What difficulties are there in North Korea at present? Of course, it is the Tartars. The Tartars' affairs are covered by me! In one sentence, Zhang Zhun's character of taking big plans.

At the same time, Zhang Zhun's answer also helped Li Zong get rid of a psychological burden. At that time, Li Zong came to power by coup and overthrew Guanghaijun, but did not receive the approval of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, Yuan Keli, the governor of Denglai of the Ming Dynasty, once wanted to attack North Korea. Li Zong hurriedly sent people to Ming State and explained in every way that although the matter was finally left unresolved, it was always Li Zong's heart. He tried his best to please the Ming Dynasty, which included this reason. For North Korea, it was too important to get the recognition and support of the Ming State.

Sure enough, Li Zong nodded with satisfaction and then went back to his seat. He was indeed a little old and had to support him when he entered the seat. In fact, he was less than forty years old. His eldest son Li Hao was only fifteen years old, so you can guess Li Zong's age. Looking at his queen, he knew that it was the time when women were the most beautiful. If it weren't for the huge pressure from the Tartars, Li Zong would have been in a stage of high spirits and confidence, and would never be like an old man.

Zhang Jun took advantage of Gong's opportunity to send Li Zong to scan the entire banquet hall and noticed several main characters. One was Kim Zidian, the other was Hong Yihan, and the other was naturally Choi Mingji. In North Korea, among the two nobles, these people were the most powerful.

Jin Zidian is very feminine and tall, just like a woman dressed in a man. Zhang Zhun suspected that he might be homosexual. However, when he saw the young concubine who looked like a flower and jade beside him, Zhang Zhun knew that he had guessed wrong. Others were just born handsome.

Hong Yihan's name sounds domineering, but in fact he is just an ordinary civil servant with no highlights. His only eyes are like owls, staring at others without relaxing. Among the Koreans that Zhang Jun has contacted, only Fengpingjun and Li Jue's eyes are so sharp.

Cui Mingji has some characteristics. This man is tall and looks like a military general at first glance. However, this is not the most distinctive. The most distinctive thing is that behind other ministers there are young and beautiful concubines, but he does not. It is not that he is noble and loyal to love, but that this man's official wife has the ability to roar in Hedong. He also has concubines from several rooms, but his appearance is not as good as his official wife, and he can't even show off.

Another person, Zhang Zhun also noticed that this person is the queen of North Korea. Zhang Zhun was not interested in her, but remembered Chen Lingfei's words. Chen Lingfei, a typical young woman's mentality, is very realistic. It is harder to make her praise other women for being beautiful than climbing to the sky. Others praise her for being beautiful. The queen of North Korea is probably around thirty years old, and she is indeed beautiful. I think her cousin will not be much worse.

Zhang Zhun's mind had so many thoughts, but it was actually a blink of an eye. After Li Zong sat down, Zhang Zhun also returned to his seat and sat down openly. Other North Korean officials also sat down one after another. Because there were many female relatives at the banquet today, naturally the squeaking sounds of women were inevitable, and the atmosphere of the banquet gradually became richer.

Wearing beautiful palace outfits, beautiful appearance, light movements, and butterflies, palace maids deliver wine and food like flowing water. Such a grand banquet is naturally very rich. However, don’t expect to be full at such a banquet. Such a banquet is not for dinner, but just a kind of etiquette. Especially the main characters of the banquet may not have the opportunity to move their chopsticks at all.

Don’t look at the rich dishes on the table, they are all for viewing, not for eating. Anyone who is preparing to feast at such a banquet must be a novice. For this reason, Gao Hongtu also specifically reminded Zhang Zhun. He was not worried that Zhang Zhun would not understand, but because Zhang Zhun was too unconventional. After coming to North Korea, Zhang Zhun represented not only himself, nor the Hu Ben Army, but the entire Ming Dynasty. Of course, Zhang Zhun was taught humbly.

The banquet seat arrangements in North Korea were similar to those in the Ming Dynasty. The banquet seats were arranged in a square shape. Zhang Zhun came from the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was in the West, and Zhang Zhun and his group naturally sat west and face east. King Li Zong was the king of a country, naturally sat north and south. Other North Korean officials went east and west, or were south and north.

In each direction, there were exactly six people sitting in front, and the number of people behind gradually increased. The ancients were very particular about the intention, either six or six, or long-term. Therefore, the numbers six and nine were the most popular. There were not many people on Zhang Zhun, and they adopted the six or six. The ones sitting next to Zhang Zhun were Ji Yuqing, Xu Qingluan, Chen Lingfei, Gao Hongtu and Feng Menglong. Liu Dong and Gao Yu were sitting behind. There were also several officers of the Hu Ben Army who made up the number.

Beside Li Zong were the prince Li Hao, queen, Fengpingjun Li Jue, Li Shi and Li Gui, all of whom were royal families. Behind them, there were many royal members. Among them, there were many young female members. Many female members' eyes fell on Zhang Zhun from the beginning. When Ji Yuqing saw this posture, she secretly pinched Zhang Zhun. Zhang Zhun pretended not to know. In fact, it would be strange if he didn't know the arrangement of the Korean royal family. If he could use a little princess to hold him back, Li Zong would definitely let him choose at will.

Opposite Zhang Zhun, that is, sitting east and west, was Cui Mingji and others. Such an arrangement obviously made people have some intentions to fight. Zhang Zhun and Cui Mingji were the most wrong, and they happened to be opposite each other, just like two firecrackers. As long as someone teases him, it would be a big fuss. It seems that the Koreans are also cunning, and they obviously need to use Cui Mingji to figure out their own details.

As for the ones facing south and north, they were Kim Zidian, Hong Yihan, Yin Ji, Wu Daji and others. Obviously, they were making soy sauce. At today's banquet, it was impossible for both sides to reach any formal agreement. However, it is perfect to find out the details of each other in the interweaving of cups and bright lights. To be honest, this group of guys who make soy sauce are the backbone of the two Korean classes and should not be underestimated.

When Gao Hongtu saw this attitude, he knew that today's banquet would definitely have swords and swords, smiles and be sweet-mouthed. Logically speaking, the interactions between the two countries should not be so impatient. There are too many things that should be negotiated privately and then brought to the table. But Li Zong was not like this, and directly put the problem on the table. It seems that Li Zong was probably at a desperate situation and was ready to showdown.

In fact, Li Zong didn't want to show off so early. However, he had to show off. Shen Qiyuan was so arrogant that he didn't even take the prince seriously. What other way could he retreat? Wait until the other party put the knife on his neck? If it weren't for the help of Zhang Zhun's momentum and suppressing the arrogance of the domestic surrender faction, he would have to bow to the Tartars. The Tartars were all a group of barbarians, and it would be too depressed to ask him to bow to the Tartars.

“Today is a great day…”

Jin Zidian stood up and delivered a speech to today's banquet.

He was Chonglu, the highest-ranking civil servant, and Li Zong's confidant. When he came to host the banquet, the specifications were quite high. At the same time, because he was smooth and capable, neither the pro-war faction nor the surrender faction could not help but buy his account. It was precisely because of his buffering that the political situation in North Korea could barely maintain and there was no civil strife.

Jin Zidian started from the founding of North Korea during the Hongwu period, and continued until the Japanese turmoil in the Imperial Palace in the Imperial Palace, with gorgeous words and rich voices. Although many of them were empty words and had no practical significance, Zhang Zhun had to admit that the relationship between China and North Korea was indeed too close. This point has not changed even in the 21st century later. Occasionally, North Korea was a little disobedient and a little naughty. Seeing the long history, the Celestial Kingdom smiled and laughed.

After the routine polite words ended, most people's eyes were focused on Zhang Zhun. Because, logically speaking, after the host delivered a speech, it was the guest's turn to deliver the speech. They all wanted to know what Zhang Zhun would say. Especially the young women of the royal family had their eyes shining brightly. However, what they regretted was that it was not Zhang Zhun who rose up, but Gao Hongtu. Such a banquet speech was a piece of cake for Gao Hongtu, and he didn't even need a manuscript, so he came out.

Zhang Zhun knew that today's banquet was inevitable and had prepared a lot. Therefore, he came only after he was full. Before the banquet, he had already eaten very much in Lingyang Palace. I believe everyone here has already eaten very much. Only after he has enough food can he have the strength to fight!

Sure enough, Gao Hongtu had just finished his speech and had not sat down yet, Cui Mingji couldn't wait to ask: "Dare you ask the Governor, how long will it be for you to stay in North Korea?"

Everyone's eyes immediately fell on Zhang Zhun.

Cui Mingji's words pointed directly at the core, making all North Koreans pay close attention.

Zhang Zhun looked unmoved, but in his heart he was scolding the bastard for being unkind. This question is very tricky. If he answered that he only stayed in North Korea for less than a month, it would inevitably disappoint the North Koreans. How can he fight against the Tartars in a month? He was purely here to travel without any sincerity.

If he had been staying for a long time, he had to go back to the country. The Tartars would definitely cross the Great Wall before the end of the year, and Zhang Zhun had to go back to Hejian Prefecture to command the battle. Cui Mingji must have learned some news from the Tartars that he asked this question and deliberately ran himself.

Gao Hongtu glanced at Zhang Jun quietly. He knew that Cui Mingji's words were difficult to answer. If Zhang Jun didn't want to answer, he would have smoothed out. For veterans like him, smoothing out is definitely not a problem, and they can be taken over with just a few words. The problem is that after smoothing out, North Korea will inevitably be a little disappointed with Zhang Jun, which will affect Zhang Jun's image. In the battle of Incheon Port, Zhang Jun finally gave the Koreans some confidence to fight against the Tartars, and could not be erased with one hand.

Fortunately, Zhang Zhun smiled slightly and said lazily: "It depends on how long Mr. Cui wants me to stay?"

Gao Hongtu's eyes suddenly lit up and he nodded subconsciously with appreciation. Who said that Zhang Zhun's words were not powerful? Occasionally, a sentence appeared was enough to shock everyone. Such an answer would be the best. Just kick the ball back and give it to Cui Mingji. Look at how you still ask such tricky questions in the future, you will be able to kill you!

Everyone in North Korea knows that you are the surrender faction and the tyrant of the Tartars. Will you welcome Zhang Zhun to live here forever? If you say you welcome Zhang Zhun to stay in North Korea, it means you are not right and the people of North Korea despise you. If you say you hope Zhang Zhun will go back quickly, then the traitor... well, the face of the traitor is too ugly.

Moreover, Zhang Zhun's words have another meaning, which is to secretly mock the fact that in North Korea, the one who can make decisions is not King Li Zong, but the surrendered clan Cui Mingji. This is to squeeze the faces of other North Korean officials and remind them not to be so polite to Cui Mingji in the future. He is just a second-rank official, that's a nonsense!

Sure enough, as soon as this statement came out, the fast-reacting North Korean officials, such as Yin Ji and Wu Daji, had a gloomy face. Looking at Cui Mingji's face, it was obvious that something was wrong. Li Zong and Hong Yihan also reacted, and their impression of Cui Mingji was greatly reduced. Only Kim Zidian and others were completely silent. They were indeed masters of soy sauce, which was comparable to Shin Shixing.

Cui Mingji reacted the slowest way. He had not yet understood Zhang Zhun's maneuver. An official in red next to Cui Mingji hurriedly said, "The Governor is a guest from afar, and the North Koreans are of course welcome. His Majesty the King has always been hospitalized, so he also asked the Governor to stay in North Korea for a long time so that His Majesty the King can fulfill his friendship as a landlord. If the Lord stays for only a few days and leaves, wouldn't it disappoint His Majesty the King?"

This person is Jin Wuwang, a doctor of Zhengxian. He has a combination of the two generals of Hen and Ha, and is full of bad water. He transferred all the pressure Zhang Jun put on Cui Mingji to King Li Zong. At the same time, he reminded King Li Zong that if Zhang Jun came and left for a few days, the pressure from the Great Jin Kingdom would be put to see how you can deal with it? Obviously, this would be very rude to King Li Zong. However, it doesn’t matter if he is supported by the Tartars.

Sure enough, the North Korean officials around him turned their doubtful eyes to King Li Zong. The face of King Li seemed to be even more tired. Of course, he could hear what Jin Wuwang meant. However, Jin Wuwang's reminder was indeed what he was worried about. How long can Zhang Jun stay in North Korea? If Zhang Jun only stayed for a few days and left, he really wouldn't dare to be too intimate with Zhang Jun.

Most of the North Korean executives knew about the battle situation at Incheon Port last night, and many people also verified Feng Gaobao's head. Li Zong also saw it with his own eyes and was sure of it. Obviously, if Zhang Jun fought in North Korea for a long time and fought against the Tartars, he would definitely be somewhat sure. However, if Zhang Jun was in North Korea, he just skipped the water and flickered in a flash, it would be bad. Once North Korea is tough, it will stimulate the Tartars' anger, and then Zhang Jun patted his butt and left, the tragedy will definitely be the North Koreans!

This is definitely not what the Korean war faction is willing to see.

Because the biggest feature of the pro-war faction and surrender faction in Korea is that the pro-war faction has no army in the hands, and the surrender faction has an army in the hands. Chen Qiyuan and Zheng Taijie, as well as the Tatars, are the solid support of the surrender faction. On the contrary, the pro-war faction does not directly control the army. The surrounding Seoul, the army in southern Korea, and the navy are all in the hands of the king. To be precise, King Li Zong is currently only a neutral faction, and the faction is changing according to the wind.

In the eyes of these people, Zhang Zhun felt that Fengpingjun Li Jue's eyes were the sharpest. Obviously, this young royal family had never given up on their dream of leading again. However, if he wanted to lead again, he would have to get the support of Mingguo. To be precise, he would have to get the support of Zhang Zhun.

Gao Hongtu said with a smile: "Don't worry, Lord Jin. There is only two days of water between Weihaiwei and Incheon Port. The Ming Dynasty and North Korea are originally just a bunch of water, just like neighbors next to each other, and can provide assistance at any time."

This is to resolve the offensive of Jin Wuwang and pave the way for Zhang Jun's decision. No matter how Zhang Jun decides, he can make up for himself. However, it is more or less a sign of smoothing out the situation. Weihaiwei and Incheon Port do have only two days of water routes. The problem is that the military situation is urgent and two days of water routes can determine many things. It is a bit unsafe without the Hu Ben Army stationed in the mainland of North Korea.

Fengpingjun Li Jue's expression was even more disappointed. He lowered his head and picked up the wine glass and drank silently. When he was the only one in the audience to raise his glass to drink, it naturally seemed very abrupt. Everyone knew that he was protesting silently, so he would not stop it.

Suddenly, Zhang Zhun slowly raised his right hand.

He has something to say.

The audience was silent and everyone's eyes fell on Zhang Zhun.
Chapter completed!