The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

With the implementation of the new policies, thousands of officials under the Ministry of Internal Affairs signed military orders at the Five Military Commands in Nanjing, and then traveled eastward into various prefectures and counties in Jiangnan.

Pingnan Town, which had been quiet for a long time, also started to move due to the implementation of the new policy.

Pingnan Town has a total of seven divisions, with a total of 84,000 troops. Six of these divisions have already moved to the Jiangnan region to maintain overall stability.

Today, only two divisions of soldiers remain in Pingnan Town, Nanjing.

However, the defenses of Nanjing were not weakened much.

This time, Chen Wang traveled south lightly, leading only three thousand armored cavalry guards.

However, not long after, the two divisions of Huguang Town and Sun Qiyun led the main force of the navy south to Nanjing. A large number of military ports were built on the Yangtze River docks in Nanjing to accommodate the navy's warships.

The two divisions of Huguang Town together had 24,000 soldiers.

The inland waterway navy currently has a total of over 15,000 sailors. The inland waterway navy did not participate in the Battle of Jining, so naturally there were not many casualties.

The existing garrison in Nanjing still numbers as high as 66,000 men, making its military strength virtually unshakeable.

More than a month has passed since the new policy was implemented.

The streets and alleys of Nanjing remain bustling with goods and people.

The new policy quickly became the hottest topic in Nanjing after its implementation.

At first, teahouses and taverns were filled with discussions about the new law, with words expressing joy, sorrow, doubt, or sarcasm.

However, this topic has now been replaced by another piece of news.

The vast city of Nanjing was bathed in the moist air after the rain had stopped.

The scene in front of the Duke of Yan's residence was already one of joy and celebration. Eight bright palace lanterns hung on the vermilion gate, and festive candles burned even in the daytime.

The entire mansion was surrounded by Jingnan Army guards dressed in red armor, with goose-feather sabers hanging at their waists.

Countless flags and banners fluttered, turning what should have been a joyous occasion into a heavily guarded military camp.

And indeed, that was the case; the entire Yan State Duke's residence was guarded by more than three thousand armored soldiers from the Imperial Guard Cavalry Division.

From the screen wall to the main hall, from the winding corridors to the pavilions and waterside terraces, soldiers can be seen standing with their hands on their swords everywhere.

In front of the mansion, court officials dressed in various official robes and generals of the Jingnan Army in their military uniforms came and went in an endless stream, almost blocking the bluestone road in front of the gate.

The gifts piled up like mountains, ranging from imperial treasures to various silks, satins, weapons, and armor—a dazzling array.

The main hall, front courtyard, and even the corridors of the mansion were all set up with banquets, with toasts being exchanged and voices being raised, creating a scene of extreme prosperity.

However, it was quite different from the bustling activity in the front yard of the mansion.

The study area in the backyard, however, was completely silent.

Dozens of Jingnan Army soldiers, dressed in sashes and robes, guarded the various key passages outside the study, their cold gazes sweeping the surroundings, shutting out all the noise.

Within this vast area, there was not a single servant.

There wasn't a single servant in sight in this area; only officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, wearing black gauze hats and scarlet robes, hurried along the corridors, carrying documents in their hands and looking calm.

Inside the study, the doors and windows were tightly closed, with only light filtering through the crackled window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor.

The air was filled with the scent of ink and a faint smell of rust.

Chen Wang, dressed in a crimson python robe, sat behind a huge rosewood desk.

The gold thread cloud pattern on the crimson python robe shimmered under the bright light.

On the desk, there were no congratulatory invitations or gift lists, only a detailed map of mountains and rivers laid out, with countless arrows and garrison marks outlined in red ink.

Inside the study, Dai Zhenglin, Chen Yongfu, Gao Qian, Li Dingguo, Sun Qiyun, and Huang Fei sat upright, all with smiles on their faces.

In addition, there was Wang Yunkang, who had been in Hanzhong Prefecture, and Bo Jue, who had been in charge of the artillery factory in the Ordnance Bureau for many years.

All their eyes were now focused on the swaddled baby in Chen Wang's arms.

All the worries of the past years have vanished at this moment, and the huge weight that had been hanging over my heart has finally been lifted.

The lord they followed, as he approached his thirties, finally saw his bloodline continue.

The Jingnan Army has finally found a legitimate successor.

The world has also awaited its future supreme ruler.

Chen Wang held his one-month-old baby in his arms. His body was stiff, and he even slowed his breathing as much as possible, for fear of disturbing the sleeping child in his arms.

Chen Wang also had a smile on his face. The baby's sleeping face was slightly exposed from the swaddling clothes, and the soft baby hair was stuck to the full forehead.

The baby's even breathing echoed softly in the quiet study, more reassuring than any good news.

Just half a month ago, with the head of the Imperial Medical Academy personally overseeing the process and numerous female officials providing meticulous care, Ma Yuying finally gave birth to the child successfully after a day and a night of hardship.

The tense atmosphere inside and outside the delivery room instantly transformed into joy the moment the baby's clear cry rang out.

At this moment, the little life that embodies everyone's expectations is sleeping peacefully in his father's arms, completely unaware of the noise from the full moon celebration coming from outside the window.

After examining the baby for a long time, Chen Wang finally stood up slowly and gently handed the swaddled baby to the female official standing to the side.

"Take him to the front hall."

Chen Wang's voice was deep, his gaze following the swaddling clothes.

"Tell the Dowager Madam and Madam to take good care of her."

The female official bowed and accepted the swaddling clothes, steadily supporting the baby with both arms, and gracefully retreated to the door with light, delicate steps.

Chen Wang was not worried about the safety of his young son.

The entire Yan State Duke's residence was filled with armored soldiers from the Imperial Guard Cavalry Battalion.

The female officials and attendants in the mansion were either the female relatives of the Chen and Hu families or the families of the generals and soldiers in the Jingnan Army.

The fate and future of all people depend on him alone.

Only after the female official left the study with the swaddled baby did the soldiers dare to relax a little.

Chen Wang slightly suppressed his smile and regained his usual dignified demeanor.

Chen Wang's gaze slowly swept over the group of officers and officials, finally settling on Bo Jue and Wang Yunkang.

"Wang Yunkang".

Compared to the others, Wang Yunkang appeared rather reserved.

Wang Yunkang was originally the commander of Hanzhong Guard. When Chen Wang took over Hanzhong Guard, he pulled him from the sidelines to the forefront.

He remained in Hanzhong Prefecture to oversee civil affairs.

As Chen Wang's territory gradually expanded, the number of areas under his jurisdiction also increased. In fact, the civil administration of all areas currently under the jurisdiction of the Jingnan Army is now managed by Wang Yunkang.

The head of the Supply Department was originally Tang Shiping. After Tang Shiping was appointed as the garrison commander of Pingnan Town, Wang Yunkang took over the position of head of the Supply Department.

According to the division of powers among the six ministries of the imperial court, Wang Yunkang actually held the position of Minister of Revenue in the Jingnan Army.

Now, in the imperial court, Chen Wang also secured a position as Vice Minister of Revenue for Wang Yunkang.

The Ministry of Revenue of the imperial court is actually headed by Wang Yunkang.

"Your subordinate is here."

Wang Yunkang subconsciously stood up and stammered in response.

This was the first time Wang Yunkang had met Chen Wang since he left Hanzhong Prefecture.

Wang Yunkang's impression of Chen Wang was still based on his time as the General Commander of Hanzhong Town, and he was still not quite used to it.

Now Chen Wang is a Duke, holding power over the country, a completely different person from the Chen Wang who was just a general back then.

Wang Yunkang could feel the astonishing aura emanating from the moment he sat down in the chair.

"sit."

Chen Wang naturally understood Wang Yunkang's mindset from his behavior, so he maintained a gentle tone throughout.

"Once the new policies are implemented, you just need to keep a close eye on the Ministry of Revenue." Tang Shiping and Zhao Huailiang had both arrived in the Jiangnan region to oversee the implementation of the new policies.

"It won't be long before those gentry and officials start to make some moves."

Zhao Huailiang had just sent word that Qian Qianyi had met with a group of gentry in Changshu to discuss obstructing the new policies.

These gentry usually speak in a grand and dignified manner, constantly spouting tales of national righteousness, integrity, and blood ties.

Once in prison, after only a day or two of torture, he confessed everything he had been holding in his stomach.

Chen Wang directly ordered Zhao Huailiang to dispatch the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Tang Shiping to send troops to eradicate the seven families: the Xu family of Songjiang, the Chen family of Jiaxing, the Wang family of Taicang, the Hou family of Jiading, the Gu family of Wuxi, the Dong family of Huating, and the Qian family of Changshu owned by Qian Qianyi.

Currently, large prisons are being built in Jiangnan, with more than 5,000 people arrested and imprisoned. Only after two or three large prisons were urgently built could all of them be accommodated.

"How much silver does the Ministry of Revenue have left?"

When the conversation turned to his professional field, Wang Yunkang's expression improved considerably, and his speech became much smoother.

"The Ministry of Revenue currently has a surplus of over 8.67 million taels of silver. After deducting the military pay for this quarter, there is still a surplus of 6.05 million taels."

Before Chen Wang's Northern Expedition, he commanded troops from six garrisons.

After winning the Northern Expedition, they added the Datong and Liaodong garrisons, bringing their total force to 80,000.

Since Chen Wang now completely controls the entire territory of the Ming Dynasty, he also needs to pay military salaries to the troops in other provinces and garrisons in the south. Therefore, the expenses for one season are more than 2.6 million taels of silver, and the annual expenditure is still as high as 10 million taels.

Although these armies were weak, they were still needed to maintain a certain level of order in the local areas.

Chen Wang's slight frown also caught Wang Yunkang's eye.

Wang Yunkang wiped the fine sweat from his forehead and asked nervously.

"The reform of the garrison system and the transformation of the army are underway. It is estimated that the reform will be fully completed by the beginning of next spring at the earliest. The matter of the new town has already begun to settle down."

Wang Yunkang currently holds the position of Chief of the Military Supplies Department in the military.

After Hu Zhili became the head of the Military Affairs Department, Wang Yunkang temporarily held the position of head of the Military Affairs Department concurrently.

Therefore, Chen Wang also handed over the military reform to Wang Yunkang.

"The implementation of the new policies in civil affairs will be carried out by Tang Shiping and Zhao Huailiang. Your main focus should be on the reform of the military."

"This is the real key point."

“New garrisons will be established first in the old territories of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Zhejiang, which were previously under the control of the imperial court.”

Chen Wang nodded slightly, offering encouragement.

“You’ve done very well these days, and I’ve seen it all.”

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. I will do my best in my duty."

Wang Yunkang lowered his head, feeling a little more at ease.

Chen Wang had a clear idea: the reason for changing the garrison and establishing a new town was to keep the local area firmly under his control.

Only with a strong army at hand can we subdue the evil spirits and monsters in the local area.

His army was capable of controlling the entire situation in the northern and central plains regions, as well as in the southern Zhili region.

However, the old territories controlled by the Ming Dynasty were not within his sphere of influence, so it was necessary to establish new towns as a deterrent.

"How's the situation at the artillery factory these days?"

Seeing that Wang Yunkang agreed, Chen Wang didn't talk to Wang Yunkang much, but instead turned his attention to Bo Jue.

Over the years, Wang Yunkang has proven his ability to serve as Minister of Revenue.

Compared to Wang Yunkang's restraint, Bo Jue seemed more casual.

Bo Jue, still dressed in a Taoist robe and wearing a Taoist crown, said with some excitement.

"The Wuchang Military Factory has completed its third expansion, and can now produce more than 600 cannons of various sizes every year!"

"The orders for the Haizhou shipyard have all been completed, and the full quantity of artillery was delivered to Haizhou last month."

Bo Jue smiled, beaming.

"You know what, those foreign gunsmiths in Haojing are really skilled, and they work very hard."

Chen Wang picked up the documents on the desk.

The document records all the recent changes at the Wuchang Military Factory.

"That's how barbarians are. They're only interested in profit. As long as you pay them enough, they'll do anything and they're willing to do anything."

Zheng Zhilong's actions were much faster and more swift than Chen Wang had anticipated.

Before the Battle of Jining, Chen Wang ordered someone to pass on a message to Zheng Zhilong.

Zheng Zhilong was instructed to expel the Portuguese who remained in the area, namely Macau.

Zheng Zhilong agreed, and had no choice but to agree, making the best choice after weighing the pros and cons.

Throughout his life, he longed to escape his identity as a pirate, to return home in glory, and to be ranked among the kings and nobles.

Therefore, after receiving the order, Zheng Zhilong did not hesitate to gather his troops and set off.

Zheng Zhilong gathered more than two hundred of his main warships and sailed south in a grand procession.

Then, along the coast of Guangdong and Guangxi, they gathered more than 400 small and medium-sized ships stranded in various places, totaling more than 600 warships, and brought their troops to Haozhou.

Guangdong Province, under the order of the imperial court, mobilized 5,000 local chieftain soldiers and more than 15,000 soldiers from various regions to deploy troops at Xiangshan.

The Portuguese in the Gulf initially wanted to put up some resistance and negotiate some terms shortly after Zheng Zhilong issued his ultimatum.

Even under the threat of 20,000 troops in Guangdong, they still refused to leave Haojing.

However, when Zheng's more than 600 warships appeared outside the port of Haojing, the Portuguese in Haojing surrendered without hesitation, on the sole condition that they be spared.

Their country was mired in war in Europe, and they received no effective support whatsoever.

The Spanish not only opposed them in Europe, but also suppressed them in the Far East, making their living conditions extremely difficult.

If the Zheng family hadn't been the dominant maritime powers in the Far East, they would probably have been completely wiped out by the Spanish long ago.

Now, the Zheng family has also drawn their weapons against them.

They had no other choice but to surrender.

After the recapture of the island, Zheng Zhilong plundered all the Portuguese's wealth.

Chen Wang also obtained a large number of highly experienced craftsmen from various industries from Zheng Zhilong.

The cannon makers at the Bugalau cannon foundry were the ones Chen Wang specifically requested.

Zheng Zhilong knew about the intelligence department, so he dared not deceive them easily. As a result, almost all the cannon makers at the Bugalau Cannon Foundry were sent to the military factory in Wuchang.

However, Zheng Zhilong ultimately kept some of his own little schemes in mind.

Of the experienced sailors and officers from Macau, only a very small number were sent back home…

Zheng Zhilong desired wealth and status on land.

They are also unwilling to give up their maritime hegemony.

Chen Wang slowly picked up the teacup from the desk.

Zheng Zhilong's son, Zheng Sen, who later became Zheng Chenggong, is still serving in his navy.

At this time, Zheng Sen had already demonstrated his outstanding naval command ability.

For Zheng Sen's sake.

Chen Wang has already given Zheng Zhilong many opportunities.

However, even now, Zheng Zhilong still cannot see the changing situation clearly... (End of Chapter)