My father is Jiajing

Chapter 680 What kind of twisted logic is this?
The first summer of the first year of the Longqing reign arrived exceptionally early, with the Fujian coast already sweltering in May.

In the military town north of Taiwan, the Eastern Fleet's warships were neatly lined up, their masts like a forest, and their flags fluttering in the wind.

The sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy smell, swept over the sun, moon, and dragon flags in the military town, and stirred the few strands of gray hair on the forehead of General Qi Jiguang.

Qi Jiguang stood on the highest observation platform in the military town, holding a monocular telescope, his eyes fixed intently on the boundless sea to the south.

That place was where the Dutch red-haired barbarians gathered, and it was also a hidden danger that had kept Qi Jiguang up at night for years.

"General, Eunuch Yu is back."

Qi Jiguang's personal guards reported in a low voice from behind.

Qi Jiguang put away his telescope and turned around with a calm expression.

"understood."

The hot weather in the south also prevented Qi Jiguang from wearing formal military armor and robes like the soldiers in the north.

They also wore linen shorts that provided shade and breathability, and palm-woven shoes similar to sandals, which were appropriate for the weather.

This was also Zhu Zaiji's special permission for them to wear summer clothes.

Qi Jiguang arrived at the council hall, where the supervising eunuch Yu Huatian was already standing in front of the map of the South Seas.

Yu Huatian looked up at the huge map of the South China Sea, his hands behind his back.

Upon hearing Qi Jiguang enter, Yu Huatian withdrew his gaze and smiled at Qi Jiguang, saying, "General Qi, how are you?"

Qi Jiguang smiled and returned the greeting, saying, "How are you, sir?"

Yu Huatian said, "All is well, all is well. This time when I returned to the capital to report on my duties, I really broadened my horizons. The capital, which I haven't been back to for several years, has undergone many great changes. It is no exaggeration to say that it is changing rapidly."

Qi Jiguang replied with a smile, "It's all thanks to His Majesty's wisdom and the Emperor Emeritus's wisdom!"

Yu Huatian laughed and said, "That's right. This year is also the year of the Emperor's ascension to the throne, so we servants and subjects should naturally offer our congratulations to His Majesty."

Qi Jiguang said, "What you say is absolutely right."

After exchanging pleasantries, the two took their seats in the chairs in the council chamber.

Yu Huatian took a sip of the refreshing herbal tea, then looked at Qi Jiguang and said, "This time, when I returned from the capital, I also brought back the Emperor's decree."

Upon hearing the imperial decree, Qi Jiguang was so excited that he immediately got up to receive it.

Yu Huatian quickly put down his cup. "General Qi, what are you doing? Although we have an imperial decree, it doesn't mean you have to accept it now. Besides, this decree is just the Emperor's instruction to us, and there is no official document."

Upon hearing this, Qi Jiguang managed to suppress his excitement and sat back down.

Yu Huatian continued, "His Majesty said that a new 'Yongle' class giant ship will be launched in a few days. Moreover, this ship is equipped with a steam system, and the bow and sides of the hull are covered with iron plates about an inch thick. Even without firing a single shot, just by installing these plates, any current seagoing vessel can be broken in two."

"So, His Majesty's idea is to let us find out what those red-haired barbarians are up to in the south of Taiwan before the new giant ship is officially launched."

"If they refuse to listen to advice and insist on occupying and building a city in Taiwan, then don't blame our heavenly army for being ruthless."

Qi Jiguang pondered for a moment: "Since that's the case, then we'll try diplomacy first, then force. Let's send an envoy to investigate the situation. If they know what's good for them and back down, that would be best; if they remain obstinate, then we'll take swift and decisive action."

Yu Huatian nodded in deep agreement, then asked, "Have you considered a candidate for envoy?"

Qi Jiguang said, “I have a nephew who studied at the Capital Martial Arts Academy, which His Majesty ordered the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions to build in his early years. He is fluent in foreign languages, familiar with military strategy, and has extraordinary courage. He is suitable for this position.”

A glint of light flashed in Yu Huatian's eyes, "Could it be Qi Jin?"

Qi Jiguang nodded, "It is indeed Qi Jin. He arrived a few days earlier than you, and he is still getting used to the climate here. He's going to have a tough time these next few days."

Yu Huatian smiled. He had experienced the same thing when he first came here. It took him quite some time to adjust before he gradually began to enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze.

Yu Huatian said, "Alright, let's wait a few days. Once he's settled into his new home in Taiwan, we'll make a detailed plan. We'll have him take his entourage and the gifts we've prepared to test these barbarians and see what they're made of, daring to travel thousands of miles across the ocean to drive a wedge at our Great Ming's doorstep!"

Qi Jiguang shared the same sentiment, noting that they had patrolled the entire South China Sea region over the years but had failed to subdue these barbarians.

Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, it's time to establish his authority.

After seeing Yu Huatian off, Qi Jiguang immediately summoned his nephew, Qi Jin.

Qi Jin was only in his early twenties at the time. He was tall and straight like a pine tree, with a resolute face. His eyebrows and eyes resembled those of Qi Jiguang by about seven points, but he lacked some of the vicissitudes of life and had more of a sharp edge.

He was dressed in a linen short jacket similar to Qi Jiguang's, and carried a standard embroidered spring knife at his waist. He walked steadily into Qi Jiguang's study.

"This humble servant pays his respects to the Commander-in-Chief."

Qi Jin clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, but did not directly address Qi Jiguang as "Uncle".

Qi Jiguang was also very satisfied with his performance. After all, this was in the army. If Qi Jin kept calling him "Uncle" all day long, people would inevitably think that Qi Jin had gotten into the Japanese fleet through connections.

Qi Jiguang gestured for him to sit down: "Qi Jin, I have an important task for you here. Do you dare to accept it?"

Upon hearing Qi Jiguang's words, a hint of excitement flashed in Qi Jin's eyes: "Are we going to deal with those red-haired barbarians?"

After Qi Jin arrived at this military town, he began to study the "red-haired barbarians" in the south. Now that Qi Jiguang had asked him to take on an important mission, his first thought was about these "red-haired barbarians."

Qi Jiguang laughed and said, "Your little brain is quite sharp; you guessed it right away."

Qi Jin said shyly, "In Taiwan, the only ones who can be considered to have an important mission are probably them, so I guessed it was them when I bid."

Qi Jiguang then laughed and said, "I know you're smart now, let me tell you something serious."

Qi Jiguang looked at Qi Jin and said, "You should know that the Dutch built a city in the southern part of Taiwan called Orange. So the important task I'm entrusting you with this time is to go there as an envoy to investigate the truth."

Qi Jin replied excitedly without hesitation, "Nephew obeys!"

Then he excitedly left Qi Jiguang's place to prepare for his journey to Orange.

But Qi Jiguang called him back, "Come back! You ran off before you even finished speaking. Is this how you studied at the Imperial Martial Arts Academy?"

Qi Jin was scolded by Qi Jiguang, and immediately shrank back in fear, saying, "I know I was wrong." Qi Jiguang looked at Qi Jin, feeling gratified and proud, but also worried and reluctant to part with him.

After all, that was a mission deep into enemy territory; if anything went wrong, the consequences could be dire.

Qi Jiguang said with a solemn expression, "This journey is extremely dangerous. Those barbarians are wolves in sheep's clothing. They pretend to be negotiating, but in reality, they covet the territory of our Great Ming. You must be careful, both to ascertain the enemy's situation and to return unharmed. Do you understand?"

Qi Jin nodded solemnly: "General, rest assured, I understand the task and will certainly not fail in my duty."

Qi Jiguang took a letter from a drawer on his desk: "This is a document issued in the name of the Eastern Ocean Navy, confirming your identity as an envoy. Furthermore, I have prepared gifts such as silk and porcelain as a sign of goodwill. Make your preparations accordingly; I will choose a time in the next few days for you to depart."

Qi Jin took the letter, carefully kept it on his person, and then smiled and said, "I understand, it's all about diplomacy first, then force."

Qi Jiguang chuckled and said, "This brat knows quite a lot."

Then Qi Jiguang said seriously, "Remember, it would be best if the other side knew when to back down; if they are stubborn and do not understand, you must carefully observe the layout of the castle, the position of the cannons, and the deployment of troops to prepare for future military operations."

Qi Jin immediately bowed and said, "I understand!"

Seeing Qi Jin's excited expression, Qi Jiguang lowered his voice and whispered, "Also, the court's attitude toward the coastal issues has long been clear, but this matter should not be publicized. Your trip is ostensibly to discuss trade matters, so be careful not to alert them."

Qi Jin understood and replied to Qi Jiguang, "I understand, I will act carefully."

A few days later, a fast ship flying the Ming Dynasty's Sun, Moon and Dragon flag departed from the military town port and headed south towards Taiwan.

Qi Jin stood at the bow of the ship, the sea breeze ruffling his robes. Behind him stood twenty elite naval soldiers, each exceptionally skilled.

Deputy Wang Hu walked to Qi Jin's side: "Commander, the Red-haired Barbarians' stronghold is just ahead."

Qi Jin nodded, took out a monocular telescope, and looked into the distance.

Against the backdrop of the azure sea and sky, the outline of an unfamiliar castle gradually becomes clear—high walls made of red bricks, a fortress with sharp angles, and dark cannon muzzles on the walls.

“Chief, look at that stone city, that is Orange, built by the red-haired barbarians.”

Wang Hu introduced the Stone City that appeared ahead to Qi Jin.

Qi Jin put down his binoculars, a cold glint in his eyes: "Hmph! These red-haired barbarians are truly audacious! Judging from the height of the city walls and the number of cannons, they intend to occupy this place for a long time."

Wang Hu replied, "What you say is absolutely right. These red-haired barbarians don't do business properly, but prefer to mess around with these little things. If it weren't for the previous General Wang and the current Commander Qi worrying that rashly annihilating them would cause heavy casualties, we would have already come over."

Qi Jin patted his shoulder and laughed, "Calm down. We're here to investigate, not to start a war. Pass down the order: everyone put away your weapons. We are messengers of peace, not guides to war."

The fast ship slowly approached the harbor of Orange. The Dutch reacted quickly, sending two armed sailing ships to meet them. The Dutch soldiers on board, armed with muskets, watched the Ming ships warily.

A Dutch officer who spoke Chinese shouted, "Who are you?"

His voice and tone were full of foreign accents; you could tell at a glance that he wasn't a proper Ming Dynasty person.

Standing at the bow of the ship, Qi Jin responded loudly: "Qi Jin, the envoy of the Ming Dynasty's Eastern Ocean Navy, has come to discuss trade matters with your side on the orders of Commander-in-Chief Qi Jiguang!"

The officer whispered a few words to his companion, then called out, "Wait a moment! We need to consult Captain Johnson!"

About half an hour later, the Dutch allowed the Ming ships to dock, but only allowed Qi Jin to bring two attendants into the city.

Wang Hu whispered, "Baizhang, be careful, it might be a trap."

Qi Jin smiled calmly: "It's alright. You and Yu Qiang come into the city with me, the rest of you stay on the boat and keep watch. If anything goes wrong, immediately retreat to the military town to report."

Led by Dutch soldiers, Qi Jin and his two companions crossed the harbor and headed towards Orange. Upon closer inspection, the castle appeared even more fortified than it had been from afar—its walls were over ten feet thick, with bastions at the four corners forming a crossfire; dozens of heavy cannons were mounted on the walls, their muzzles menacing.

At the city gate, a group of Dutch soldiers stood in formation, led by a tall, middle-aged man with red hair and blue eyes, dressed in a dark blue military uniform, with a sword at his waist and medals hanging all over his chest.

"Welcome, dear envoy of the Ming Dynasty."

A red-haired man said in broken Chinese, “I am Johnson, the commander of Orange City and a senior captain of the Dutch East India Company.”

Qi Jin clasped his hands in a slight bow and said, "Qi Jin, a centurion of the Ming Dynasty's Eastern Ocean Navy, greets Captain Johnson."

Johnson gestured for him to enter: "Qi, please come with me into the city to discuss this further."

Upon entering the castle, Qi Jin secretly noted down everything he saw—dozens of Dutch soldiers were practicing musket shooting on the wide parade ground; the warehouse area was piled high with goods and ammunition; and on the high platform in the center of the city, a giant cannon overlooked the surrounding area.

In the drawing room, Johnson ordered whiskey to be served: "Envoy Qi has come from afar, please have some wine to quench your thirst."

Qi Jin declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer, Captain, but I am preoccupied with official duties and cannot drink alcohol."

Johnson smiled dismissively and asked, "So, what brings the envoy here?"

Qi Jin said, “I heard that you have traveled thousands of miles across the ocean to come to the Ming Dynasty to do business with us. But in recent years you have been building cities and fortresses on Taiwan. I, Qi Jiguang, the commander-in-chief of the Ming Dynasty’s Eastern Ocean Navy, have specially sent me to find out the situation.”

Johnson smiled slightly and shook his head, saying, "I know you Ming people have a saying: 'First come, first served.'"

"As far as I know, you are the ones who came later from Rekbekno (Taiwan Nest). Our castle has been here for many years, while your castle was only just built in the north."

"Moreover, our Dutch East India Company came to the East for trade. This castle is merely a necessary facility to protect our commercial interests."

Qi Jin, with sharp eyes, said without yielding an inch, "Taiwan is part of the territory of the Ming Dynasty. Hundreds or even thousands of years ago, our people were already living and working here."

"So, in terms of who arrived first, you came later, and it's probably inappropriate for you to build a city and station troops here without permission."

Johnson's smile gradually faded. He stared at Qi Jin and said, "The envoy may not know this, but in our understanding, Taiwan is a no-man's land."

"Your so-called ancestors were just fishing and settling down here, and your government doesn't govern what's going on here, so we Dutch people are the ones who got here first."

"Now you're talking about Taiwan being yours? That's tantamount to robbing the legitimate wealth of our Dutch East India Company and showing contempt for the existence of our Kingdom of the Netherlands!"

Upon hearing Johnson's words, Qi Jin couldn't help but laugh in anger.

What kind of fallacy is this?
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(End of this chapter)