The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

On Qipan Street, the flow of people was dense, creating a bustling and lively scene.

The sounds of vendors hawking their wares, chatting, laughing, and riding in the streets and alleys blended together.

Chen Wang sat alone in a private room on the third floor of the restaurant, with an open carved wooden window in front of him.

Outside the window, vendors carrying their wares nimbly weaved through the crowd, women carefully compared fabric colors in front of a cloth shop, and children chased and played with sugar figurines—a bustling scene of everyday life, all reflected in Chen Wang's eyes.

Chen Wang held a warm porcelain cup, leaned back in his chair, and calmly looked out the window, overlooking the crowds walking to and fro on the street.

Having traveled a long and dusty journey, he hadn't been able to sit still and peacefully observe this scene for a long time.

The steam from the tea rose gently, creating a thin mist before his eyes.

"When the Jurchens fled north, we should have pressed our advantage, wiped them out, and achieved complete victory."

"However, the land of China is not yet at peace, and the western regions are changing three times a day."

The Jurchens were already in a precarious situation when they fled north. The reason they didn't press their advantage and annihilate the Jurchens in one battle was simply due to the domestic situation and the shortage of food supplies.

Chen Wang slowly placed the teacup back on the table.

"The capital is nice, but it is not a place to stay for long."

"Now that the northern kingdom is pacified, it is time to return to the Central Plains."

Inside the private room, Zu Zefu, Dai Zhenglin, Hu Zhili, and Zhou Yumao sat respectfully in their respective seats.

The round table was laden with all sorts of delicacies, but no one touched their chopsticks; all eyes were fixed on Chen Wang.

The chaos in the Northwest and Southwest continues.

However, the Northwest has stabilized, while the Southwest is temporarily beyond our reach.

Therefore, Chen Wang's plan was to first return to Kaifeng in Henan, in the Central Plains.

As the situation developed and its influence expanded, the center of the Jingnan Army has now shifted from Hanzhong Prefecture to Kaifeng in Henan Province.

Kaifeng in Henan Province is located on the central line between north and south, and is also in the Central Plains.

"The Mongols outside the pass will not move south now, but Jizhou still needs to be defended in case of any unforeseen events. The livelihoods of the million soldiers and civilians under the jurisdiction of the town also need to be arranged. We must not leave them without support."

"After careful consideration, I think this matter should be entrusted to you."

Chen Wang turned around and looked directly at Zhou Yumao.

Among Chen Wang's generals today, there are quite a few who are capable of guarding a region and taking charge of a single task.

Hu Zhiyi was prudent and cautious, and knew when to advance and retreat. His use of line infantry was unparalleled. He had been guarding Hanzhong for a long time and had defeated the rebel army many times.

Chen Gong and Cao Bianjiao were both brave and fierce, and were known as the two pillars of the cavalry.

Zuo Guangxian and You Shiwei were both former generals of the Ming court. Both were prudent and skilled in warfare, especially adept at commanding large armies. They were quite effective in training the new army.

Zuo Liangyu was once the leader of the various towns in the south, and his military strategy and martial prowess were actually the best among the generals in the south.

Having fought for many years, he was highly experienced and commanded his army flawlessly. He enjoyed great prestige within the army, and all the generals respected and admired him.

Now freed from the constraints of the court officials, he held his own in the battle of Qingzhou against Ajige.

They fought bravely and selflessly, washing away the past humiliations and greatly boosting the morale of the towns.

Gao Jie is ambitious and enterprising, Chen Ming is cautious and measured, and Hu Zhili is methodical and steady; all three are capable of serving as generals of a town.

but.

He was able to stabilize the two towns of Jizhou and Xuanfu, clean up the mess, reorganize the defenses, and reform the local people.

Now, however, only Zhou Yumao remains.

Zhou Yumao followed him from Hanzhong Prefecture, and then followed him all the way to conquer the south and north, sweeping away the southern kingdom.

After incorporating the six battalions of Huguang, Zhou Yumao was kept in Huguang by Chen Wang and put in charge of all affairs in Huguang.

During Zhou Yumao's tenure as military commander in Huguang, he also took charge of all matters concerning Yunyang Prefecture and the pacification of Nanyang Prefecture.

At the same time, Xiangyang Prefecture, where Zhou Yumao was located at the time, was a transportation hub.

During his time in Huguang, Zhou Yumao also undertook the task of connecting Hanzhong with Henan and other places.

During his time guarding Huguang, Zhou Yumao not only had to reorganize the army and strengthen its military capabilities, but also had to coordinate various forces and balance the power of local tyrants.

His experiences with bandits in the Yunyang mountain area, the resettlement of refugees in Nanyang, and the management of the Xiangyang water and land ports all gave him a profound understanding of local governance.

"This humble general is willing to share the burden for the General."

Upon hearing Chen Wang mention him, Zhou Yumao did not hesitate and immediately stood up, clasped his hands in a salute.

Unlike other officers, he did not immediately take on the responsibility, nor did he make any promises to complete the task. He simply expressed his concern by saying "sharing the burden."

Chen Wang nodded slightly; Zhou Yumao's personality had always been like this.

Zhou Yumao never makes promises, but he does his best to do everything he can, and he always handles the tasks assigned to him properly and thoroughly.

Since leaving Hanzhong Prefecture, Zhou Yumao has never disappointed him.

"Although Jizhou Town was devastated due to the war in the north, it still has a large number of soldiers and civilians."

Chen Wang gently swirled the remaining tea in his cup, causing ripples to spread across the porcelain surface.

"The Nine Garrisons have long suffered from accumulated problems, their military preparedness has become lax, and their trade routes have been blocked. Now that the Jurchens have been defeated and the Mongols have retreated, and there is temporary peace both inside and outside the country, it is the perfect time to reform and innovate."

Chen Wang placed the teacup on the table, settled down, and then looked directly into Zhou Yumao's eyes, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

"Do you get me?"

Zhou Yumao's eyes flickered slightly; he understood the meaning behind Chen Wang's words.

"Understood, sir."

Chen Wang appointed him to Jizhou not primarily to immediately reform the border defenses, but to reform the garrisons, eradicate their malpractices, stabilize the people's livelihood, and quickly restore Jizhou's war potential.

The Mongols will not move south; the Tumed tribe has already returned north and is about to unleash a massive storm in southern Mongolia.

The Jurchens also lacked the strength to invade the border again, and there would be no war within the Great Wall for a long time, ushering in a rare period of peace.

"Don't hesitate, and don't have any doubts."

Chen Wang stared at Zhou Yumao, this time without any attempt to conceal his true feelings.

"Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish, but governing a chaotic world requires severe measures."

"Sometimes, swift and decisive measures are more effective."

Chen Wang lowered his gaze, staring at the remaining tea in the cup, and gently turned his wrist, letting the tea spill out.

“Those deeply entrenched forces, those parasites that suck the people’s blood and sweat, are all stumbling blocks to peace and stability.”

"The world is in utter chaos now; to cut through the mess, we must use a swift and decisive action."

"When doing things, there's no need to pay attention to opposing voices."

"If the dissenting voices become too noisy..."

Chen Wang's tone suddenly turned cold as he spoke, enunciating each word clearly.

"Then let these voices disappear forever."

With a strong army at our disposal, why bother with reasoning?
In this world, principles are not actually important.

At least for now, it doesn't matter.

Reasoning is meant for those who can understand it.

"Since the old house is already rotten, we might as well set it on fire."

"When the smoke and dust clear, we can rebuild the beams..."

Chen Wang's calmness sounded like thunder to everyone else.

"I will petition the court to appoint you as the Governor-General of Jiliao, overseeing the military affairs of Jiliao and controlling the four towns of Jizhou, Changping, Shanhaiguan, and Ningyuan."

Upon hearing this, Zu Zefu frowned deeply.

The towns of Shanhai and Ningyuan have always been the foundation built by his family over many years.

Chen Wang wanted to make Zhou Yumao the new Governor-General of Jiliao and place him under Zhou Yumao's control.

Zu Zefu subconsciously wanted to say something. But when he looked up, he saw Chen Wang's gaze turn towards him.

Those eyes were as sharp as unsheathed swords, their cold light piercing straight to the heart.

The moment Zu Zefu made contact, the fear in his heart reached its peak.

Zu Zefu felt a chill run down his spine and suddenly realized what was happening.

This is no longer the past, and the Ming Dynasty is no longer the Ming Dynasty of the past.

The person who holds the highest power in the world today is none other than the Marquis of Jingnan, who sits before him.

Chen Wang's instruction on "cutting the Gordian knot" was not only instructing Zhou Yuma on how to govern, but also subtly warning him.

Fine beads of cold sweat gradually soaked Zu Zefu's forehead, and he involuntarily lowered his head again.

The landscape of Liaodong is destined to change.

Chen Wang is not the Chongzhen Emperor of the past.

Although Chen Wang was not yet the emperor at this time.

But the power he wields is far more solid than that of the emperor who once lived deep within the palace.

When Emperor Chongzhen faced the predicament in Liaodong, he had the will to reverse the decline, but lacked the power to implement reforms.

The annual Liaodong military pay of tens of millions of taels was already embezzled at each level when it was allocated from the Ministry of Revenue, and by the time it reached the border, only half of it remained.

The entire Liaodong military fund system was like a huge web of vested interests, and even Emperor Chongzhen, as the emperor, could only watch helplessly as this huge sum of money was continuously lost through the operation of the bureaucratic system.

At that time, Liaodong was like a bottomless pit that could never be filled. No matter how much silver the imperial court invested, it was ultimately just a drop in the ocean.

However, the situation in Liaodong is now inevitably changing under Chen Wang's control.

But now, times have changed.

The Six Ministries of the Northern Kingdom had been destroyed in the flames of war, and those officials who had once divided up the Liaodong military funds could now only tremble under the blades of the Jingnan Army. The Qing army, which had once threatened the survival of the Ming Dynasty, was utterly defeated by the Jingnan Army's might.

Zu Zefu understood deeply that this time, Liaodong would inevitably undergo a complete transformation.

He himself either goes with the tide or is swept away by it.

Chen Wang still keeps him in charge of Shanhaiguan and Ningyuan, as the general of Liaodong, probably out of consideration for their past relationship.

When the Qing army broke through the pass and marched south, he still led his troops to defend the Liaodong defense line and even escorted Chen Wang's family to the south safely.

His father, Zu Dashou, also died a heroic death when Jinzhou fell.

These sentiments acted like protective charms, allowing him to retain a place in this era of great change.

Zu Zefu lowered his head; he had now figured everything out.

No matter how deep the affection, it will eventually run out.

Zu Zefu actually had some idea of ​​just how ambitious Chen Wang was.

The timing of this Marquis of Jingnan, who has now reached the pinnacle of power, ascending the throne is simply a matter of whether he wants to or not.

He dispatched his younger brother Chen Gong northward to manage the southern part of the Gobi Desert. Given the current situation on the grasslands, it was only a matter of time before the Mongol tribes submitted.

What Chen Wang wanted was far more than just stabilizing his homeland.

Perhaps it lies within the grand vision of this powerful ruler.

The grasslands south of the Gobi Desert, the oases of the Western Regions, the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River in Liaodong, and even more distant territories, will all become an indispensable part of the new dynasty's map.

Zu Zefu still remembers one of Chen Wang's words.

During a recent military meeting, the issue of North Korea was discussed.

It is said that North Korea may find it difficult to provide logistical support because their country is already in dire straits due to the exploitation by the Qing Dynasty.

“I have neither the time nor the patience to reason with those who dare to stand up against us.”

"They don't need to understand, they can only accept."

Chen Wang used this sentence to conclude the military discussion on the Korean issue.

Zu Ze sighed deeply in his heart.

This powerful ruler had already begun his strategic planning in Liaodong, and Zhou Yumao's appointment was the clearest signal of this.

If he clings to his old foundation and territory, he will likely follow in the footsteps of those former officials who were purged soon.

Chen Wang stared at Zu Zefu, watching his changing expressions.

Zu Zefu is not a fool.

Those who can secure a place in chaotic times and rule over a region are rarely truly foolish in this era.

Chen Wang believed that Zu Zefu would make a wise choice and lead Liaozhen onto the predetermined path.

Zu Zefu had no choice.

Chen Wang picked up the teapot and poured himself another cup of tea.

The clear, cool tea water was poured into the cup, making a gentle, murmuring sound.

"The affairs of Ji and Liao are important, but the affairs of the capital region are equally important."

Chen Wang turned to look at Hu Zhili and said slowly.

"I have already submitted a memorial to the court, requesting the establishment of a Governor-General of Zhili to take charge of the two towns of Baoding and Changping, and to oversee the military forces in the capital region and Shandong."

"The candidate for Governor-General of Zhili has been decided."

Hu Zhili lowered his head slightly, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed respectfully.

"General, take your orders."

The Governor-General of Zhili and the current garrison commander of Nanjing are both of paramount importance, and naturally, they must be governed by extremely reliable individuals.

Therefore, Chen Wang did not hesitate at all and decided early on that Hu Zhili would be in charge.

Hu Zhili was in charge of the Intelligence Department for a long time, and I learned a lot from him as his deputy.

Zhili will soon regain its stability under Hu Zhili's leadership.

Chen Wang gently stroked the teacup in his hand, his gaze deepening.

Although the South was under his control, there were still some discordant voices in the Nanjing court.

These sounds, though faint, are like undercurrents lurking beneath the calm surface of water.

Although the Wanmin Army swept across the southern country several times, the gentry and powerful families of Jiangnan had a deeper and more profound foundation than one could imagine.

They clung tightly to their past privileges and interests, as if guarding mountains of gold and silver, unwilling to let go even a little.

These prominent families in Jiangnan have accumulated wealth over a century through canal transport, salt permits, and land rent. Although they outwardly submit, they are still secretly making all sorts of obstructions.

Before launching a major westward expedition, he had to ensure the absolute stability of his rear.

He wanted everyone to understand.

At this pivotal moment, there are only two choices.

Either.

Stand behind him, choose to obey and support him.

Either.

It was completely submerged by the torrent of history.

but.

No one is allowed to stand in his way!

The teacup spun slowly in his palm, a chilling killing intent flickering in Chen Wang's eyes.

The time has come.

It's time for those who are still observing and hesitating to make... their final choice... (End of Chapter)