1627 Rise of the South China Sea

From a personal standpoint, Wang Chengen doesn't like dealing with Zhu Zian.In his eyes, Zhu Zian was undoubtedly a traitor who betrayed the Ming Dynasty.

But now that he had important business to attend to, and he had to lower his head under the eaves, he could only squeeze out a smile and proactively greet Zhu Zian: "Master Zhu, our family is causing trouble again!"

Zhu Zian was very polite. After asking Wang Chengen to sit down, he ordered his servants to watch the tea, and then asked: "Eunuch Wang, why are you here today?"

Wang Chengen said to himself that you are deliberately pretending to be confused because you don't understand. Is it possible that I have other things to do here? But he still kept a smile on his face and said: "Mr. Zhu, you see, our family has come to Hangzhou for three years." Oh my god, when will the adults of the Executive Committee have time to meet with you?"

Zhu Zian said: "Everyone in the Executive Committee has many things to do, and it is common for you to be unable to spare time for ten days and a half. Prince, please be patient. As soon as there is time to arrange, we will notify you immediately."

Wang Chengen had been in the officialdom for many years, how could he be put off by such a few words, and he immediately said: "Master Zhu, I believe you are very clear about the purpose of our family coming to Hangzhou. The two countries are at war, and all lives are in ruins. Your Majesty is considerate of the people's sentiments and hopes that the war can be stopped as soon as possible. . This is good for both of us and for everyone in the world."

Zhu Zian said: "If I had known this, why did I do it in the first place? I chose the day of Haihan National Day to assassinate the Executive Committee in Hangzhou and caused a huge chaos. Does the Ming Dynasty still expect to end it through negotiations?"

Zhu Zian directly criticized the Ming Dynasty. Wang Chengen felt uncomfortable and immediately said: "Master Zhu, you are a descendant of Prince De's palace and a royal family member. How can you speak for Haihan!"

Zhu Zian responded calmly: "When I left Jinan Mansion, I gave up the identity you mentioned. My current identity is the deputy director of the Special Liaison Office of the Donghai Region of Haihan State. Of course, what I think and say must stand on my side. In Haihan’s position.”

Wang Chengen was choked and speechless for a moment.It seems that in Zhu Zian's mind, his official position in Haihan is far more important than his original status as a Ming noble.

Zhu Zian believed that surrendering to the Ming Dynasty was a personal choice. Wang Chengen knew that he could not convince the other party, so he could only change the subject and said: "Master Zhu, it doesn't matter which side you stand on. The top priority is to negotiate a truce first. Everything else can be easily discussed."

Zhu Zian said: "The armistice conditions proposed by our country should have been sent to the capital for His Majesty's review a long time ago, right? Agree or not. Since Mr. Wang is coming to Hangzhou on behalf of Your Majesty, you might as well give it and I can report it to you. .”

Wang Chengen said: "Let's be honest here. Your Majesty thinks those conditions are too harsh. If we can discuss with the executive committee face to face, there may be a better plan."

Zhu Zian said: "My lord, how much room for bargaining do you think the Ming Dynasty has in its current situation? The Ming Dynasty is unable to resist on the battlefield. The Haihan army is advancing with great success, and all the territory captured will belong to the Haihan army in the future. What else can the Ming Dynasty offer? What other benefits can convince the executive committee to give up the meat that has been put into their bowl?"

Of course, Emperor Chongzhen would not reveal the conditions promised to Wang Chengen in front of Zhu Zian. He just kept repeating his request to meet with the executive committee for discussion, hoping that Zhu Zian could help arrange it.

Even if Zhu Zian can't arrange it, he can at least send a message to the executive committee to express Ming's willingness to negotiate.

Zhu Zian said: "My lord, it's useless for you to be anxious. There are many places to see and travel in Hangzhou. It's rare for you to come to Jiangnan, so you might as well walk around and relax more, don't be so anxious."

Zhu Zian's consolation was basically ineffective to Wang Chengen. The time was imminent and he was not in the mood to travel around.

If Haihan refuses to negotiate, then he will not be able to return to the capital for business.If this led to the complete defeat of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Chengen's head would not be enough to atone for his sins even if he was chopped off ten times.Thinking of this moment, Wang Chengen stood up from his chair and knelt down straight in front of Zhu Zian.He served Emperor Chongzhen in the palace and knelt ten or eight times a day, but he didn't think there was anything wrong with this action.

Besides, Zhu Zian was a relative of the emperor, and Wang Chengen was a eunuch, so it was not unreasonable for him to kneel down.

This was because he had no choice but to keep his face in his pocket.Although the identity of the other party is far different from that of Emperor Chongzhen, if things can be done by kneeling, then Wang Chengen will not care even if he kneels to the other party thousands of times.

Zhu Zian was young and had never encountered such a situation. He quickly reached out to help: "Why are you doing such a great gift? Please get up quickly!"

Wang Chengen said: "In this city of Hangzhou, the only one who can speak to us is Mr. Zhu. Please remember the old friendship and help the Ming Dynasty. If the war does not cease, the Ming Dynasty will be in danger!"

Zhu Zian wanted to harden his heart and refuse him, but he couldn't speak.Although he has taken refuge in Haihan, he is a descendant of the Zhu family after all. It would be a lie to say that he has no feelings for Daming at all.

Seeing that Zhu Zian's attitude seemed to have softened, Wang Cheng'en quickly struck a chord while the iron was hot: "Master Zhu, if you don't agree to help me with this, our family will be kneeling here today!"

Zhu Zian sighed and said: "You kneel to me, I can give in, but you must not use this trick in front of the adults of the Executive Committee. What they don't like the most is others kneeling."

Wang Cheng'en has been serving the emperor all year round, and he is naturally good at observing people's emotions. Seeing Zhu Zian relax, he quickly stood up on his own: "Thank you for your advice, sir. We will take note of it!"

But even if Zhu Zian is willing to help him, the methods he can use are extremely limited.

In the Special Liaison Office, only Li Qingyang is qualified to meet with senior officials of the Executive Committee, while Zhu Zian's official position can only submit written information or applications to the Executive Committee.As for whether he can be summoned, that also depends on the arrangements of the executive committee, which is not much better than Wang Chengen's treatment.

Zhu Zian could only send Wang Chengen back first. He actually didn't have much idea of ​​how to facilitate this matter.

When Li Qingyang returned to the Yamen, Zhu Zian reported the story of Wang Chengen's visit to Li Qingyang, but omitted the part where Wang Chengen knelt down to ask for help.

After listening, Li Qingyang asked noncommittally: "How do you think this matter should be handled, Zian?"

Zhu Zian said: "Since the executive committee asked him to stay in Hangzhou and wait, it must eventually arrange negotiations, right? But judging from Wang Chengen's performance, he probably doesn't have much patience anymore."

Li Qingyang said: "Our country's goal is to replace Ming Dynasty, not destroy Ming Dynasty. Negotiation is definitely necessary, but it is not the best time yet. Trying to exercise his patience will also be beneficial to subsequent negotiations."