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Chapter 1389 New Correspondence 2
"They brought this on themselves... We might as well clear out the warehouse and lock them all inside. Even though it will take some manpower to keep an eye on them, it's better than letting them run around freely!"

Xiao Si was like someone who had been bitten by a snake once and was afraid of a rope for ten years. Even though the Khosa people who had followed the Tuolongwei had given up their trust in their traditional tribal leaders and instead chose to follow the Ming army, it was still difficult to give them basic trust.

“Both generals have a point. May I plead for them here and hope they won’t be imprisoned? These people have left the protection of their tribes and now only have the empire to rely on. If they are not accepted back, you can imagine how they would feel.”

However, Zhang Yongling raised limited objections at this time. He did not want to see these Xhosa people, who were determined to follow the Ming Empire, treated as prisoners. That would not only mean that the work of the Governor of South Africa would be rendered meaningless, but also that the Ming Dynasty's years of cultivation on this land would be completely wasted.

"...What does the Governor think should be done?" Zhu Neng and Xiao Si exchanged a glance, and in the end, Zhu Neng took over the conversation.

"Well... as the governor, I shouldn't interfere with military deployments, but today I have to break the rules. I would like to humbly request that you two generals do me the honor and allow them to choose a few fortresses to guard. Since this is also their homeland, they should personally lead the defense against foreign enemies."

"I have commanded troops before and have some knowledge of the port's defense system. I am willing to lead it personally. If the location can be chosen well, it will not only not interfere with the soldiers' normal operations, but will also add to their strength."

After a brief hesitation, Zhang Yongling stood up, straightened his clothes, clasped his hands in a salute to Zhu Neng and Xiao Si, then solemnly made a request that was both official and personal. With hopeful eyes, he turned and walked out of the operations room, closing the door behind him to give the two generals ample space.

Zhu Neng and Xiao Si did need space and time to discuss things, mainly because Zhang Yongling's request was too unusual. If they were to be careless, it would be suspected of violating military discipline, and if they were to be held accountable after the war, someone would have to be willing to take the blame.

"Commander Xiao, did you have a dispute in the city? And what is his purpose in doing this?"

From Zhu Neng's perspective, it must be because Xiao Si argued with Zhang Yongling and even said hurtful things because he took the initiative to give up the city, which aroused the old governor's dissatisfaction. He deliberately made such a request out of spite.

“I’m not as uncouth as you. Even when we argue, I’d still consider my reputation! He was once a favorite of His Majesty and the first governor appointed by him. Why would I be so foolish as to disobey his superiors?”

Xiao Si resolutely refused to admit to this accusation. The reason was simple: it was too low-level. Given his background and upbringing, he would never make such an absurd mistake.

"Is it because you're afraid His Majesty will blame you, and you want to atone for your crimes by performing meritor

Zhu Neng must acknowledge Xiao Si's political maneuvering, but why would Zhang Yongling take such a desperate gamble? We'll have to keep guessing. If we don't figure this out, won't the Xhosa people in the port area become a hidden danger again?
"...That makes some sense! As far as I know, this is his first time serving in office, and he has been entrusted with an important task. He has become a high-ranking official in one fell swoop, which shows how great the Emperor's favor is."

Unfortunately, fate played a cruel trick, and just three years later, a sudden change occurred, handing the city over to the enemy. In truth, the attitude of the Xhosa people within the city was the main factor that forced them to abandon it.

Put yourself in his shoes; how would you feel if you were in his shoes? Regardless of the outcome of this battle, he cannot escape blame!

In understanding the emperor's intentions and discerning people's hearts, scions of aristocratic families do indeed have a considerable advantage. Their ancestors have pondered this matter for generations, passing down their experiences and lessons as family education. Xiao Si's analysis of Zhang Yongling's inner thoughts was meticulous and seemed very reasonable. "So, how should we deal with this?"

Zhu Neng didn't want to hear Zhang Yongling's inner monologue; instead, he wanted to find a solution: whether or not he should make an exception and grant Zhang's extra request, and bear the consequences that might result.

"...I was the one who advocated abandoning the city, and I was the one who brought the Xhosa people back. I should take the blame for this. Withdraw all the marines from the east side of the civilian port, and hand over the positions to Governor Zhang and the Xhosa people for defense. I will give the order. You are unaware of this, so just inform Commander Yan with flag signals tomorrow morning."

A brief silence fell over the operations room. After about half an incense stick's time, Xiao Si was the first to stand up and share his thoughts.

"What...what are you doing now?" This opinion left Zhu Neng speechless. It was bad enough that Zhang Yongling was already acting crazy, how could another one suddenly go crazy?

"Governor Zhang requested to die because he didn't want to put His Majesty in a difficult position! He has mentioned to me more than once that his greatest wish in this life is to be buried next to the imperial mausoleum after he dies. If he becomes a convicted criminal, he will probably lose this honor. If he can die on the battlefield, there should be no more clamor in the court."

If no one is willing to let him die in battle, it will cause even more trouble for His Majesty and the court. My decision to step forward now, breaking military regulations, may bring short-term repercussions, but in the long run, I should be thanked by most. Since there's a considerable chance of profit, why not invest and give it a try!

What Zhu Neng considered incomprehensible madness, Xiao Si described as a matter of official conduct involving a wide range of people, even the emperor. It didn't sound like he was taking the blame, but rather a good opportunity to build connections and showcase his wisdom.

"If it's that good, why don't you let your foolish brother try it!" However, Zhu Neng didn't believe it at all and immediately raised a question that could verify its authenticity.

"Let you try? Not to boast, but this is an opportunity for me, but it would be a disaster for Brother Zhu. You often belittle me because of my military background, but this is the real test of my military background."

I know how to submit memorials, how to arrange the details, and I have connections willing to go to great lengths for me. What do you have? Stop worrying about this and just do as I say.

You go back to camp and rest first. I'll inspect the port area in half an hour. Tomorrow morning, we'll divide the port area into sections. I'll lead our main force to guard the civilian port, and you'll guard the military port. Then I'll arrange things for the Khosa people and Governor Zhang. Brother Zhu, please don't cause any more trouble; just report to Commander Yan on time.”

But instead of an explanation, he received ridicule. Xiao Si bluntly pointed out the gap between aristocratic families and ordinary people. Even though the emperor strictly limited the power of aristocratic families through laws, the two would still not be on the same level. Some things cannot be changed in a short time; they require a long period of time and the accumulation of vast wealth.

Do you think the European coalition will land from the east?

Having said all that, Zhu could only pretend the matter didn't exist. But there was still one question that needed to be clarified: what methods would the Europeans use to continue their attack on the port?

(End of this chapter)