My father is Jiajing

The sea breeze over Taiwan's nest, carrying the salty, damp scent of the sea, sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce, swept continuously over the walls of Stone City (Orange City).

This stone city, originally built privately by the Dutch, was taken over by Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou and, after simple repairs, was used as the southern garrison of the Ming Dynasty navy.

Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, who once fought side by side under Hu Zongxian, then Governor-General of Zhejiang and Zhili and Minister of War, and now a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, to fight against the Japanese pirates in the southeast, and forged a deep friendship, now stood on a high point in Stone City, gazing at the vast and boundless sea.

Beneath them, the newly repaired city walls still exuded the unique smell of fresh lime, and in the harbor below the stone city, dozens of warships, neatly arranged with masts like a forest, were moored!
Besides these warships, there were also enormous warships anchored on the sea, unable to dock in the port.

This giant ship was none other than the "Jiajing," which had played a crucial role in capturing the Dutch-held Stone City.

While repairing the Stone City buildings damaged by the gunpowder depot, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou were also actively ordering people to find and build a giant warship, the "Jiajing," which was about 450 meters long and 180 meters wide.

After all, such giant ships will become common in the Ming Dynasty navy in the future, and even super-giant ships larger than this will appear.

Therefore, the newly configured ports must include wharves and dry docks large enough to accommodate such massive ships, facilitating the supply of materials and maintenance for these vessels.

"General! The imperial edict has arrived!"

A deputy general strode up the city wall, his voice brimming with excitement, and ran to Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou.

After he ran over, he immediately suppressed his excitement and bowed to Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, saying, "General, General Yu, the imperial edict has arrived!"

Upon hearing that the imperial edict had arrived, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou both turned around simultaneously, straightened their battle robes, and their eyes brimmed with barely concealed excitement and exhilaration.

These two anti-Japanese generals, both over forty years old, had some signs of hardship on their brows, but their eyes were still bright and full of energy, which was hard for young people to match!
The two walked quickly down the city wall, their hearts pounding with excitement.

They knew this imperial edict must be because a few days earlier, in the battle of Stone City, he and Yu Dayou had joined forces to drive out the Dutch barbarians who had been entrenched there, and had received commendation from the imperial court.

Therefore, the two of them were probably already mentally prepared when they came down from the top of the city wall.

Upon arriving at the square below the city, Qi Jin, Yu Qiang, Wang Hu, and others had already led their troops in a line to wait.

These three are also key figures in this victory. Without their bravery and fearlessness, we would not have achieved such a smooth victory!

Yu Huatian, smiling broadly, appeared in the square wearing a bright red python robe.

Fortunately, the sea breeze was strong at the moment, and the scorching heat of the sun had not yet risen, so the python robe that Yu Huatian was wearing did not seem too hot.

Yu Huatian first congratulated Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou, Qi Jin, Yu Qiang, Wang Hu, and others.

Then he unfurled the imperial edict he had sent to Stone City, preparing to proclaim it.

Upon witnessing this scene, Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou, and others immediately knelt down with a military salute to receive the imperial decree.

Yu Huatian's steady voice echoed across the square as he proclaimed the imperial edict: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: General Qi Jiguang and General Yu Dayou of the Eastern Ocean Navy have recovered Taiwan and rendered meritorious service in defeating the enemy. I am greatly pleased. Therefore, I hereby appoint Qi Jiguang as Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Left Army and Yu Dayou as Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Rear Army."

Upon hearing the Emperor's bestowal of honors upon them, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou immediately bowed again in excitement, exclaiming, "Long live the Emperor!"

It should be noted that the title of Vice Commander-in-Chief was indeed only an honorary title without real power, but it was still a legitimate second-rank official position.

With this official title, it can be said that whether in the local or central government, the two men had a status that allowed them to sit on equal footing with local governors and high-ranking officials in the central government.

Therefore, such an honor was an overwhelming blessing for the two of them.

After reading the titles and honors bestowed upon Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, Yu Huatian continued reading: "Generals Qi Jin, Yu Qiang, and Wang Hu are brave and fearless, risking their lives for the cause, serving as role models for the entire army. They drove out the barbarians and protected the peace of our coastal borders. Qi Jin is hereby promoted to the rank of Commander of the Eastern Ocean Fleet, Yu Qiang to the rank of Commander of the Navy, and Wang Hu to the rank of Deputy Commander of the Navy. Each of them is awarded 500 taels of silver and bestowed with the title of Loyal and Brave. Their deeds shall be inscribed on a stone in Taiwan to commemorate them for posterity."

Qi Jin, Yu Qiang, and Wang Hu were so excited upon hearing about their rewards that they could hardly contain themselves.

Although they were only promoted to minor official positions like commanders of a thousand households or centurions, it should be noted that they were originally low-ranking military officers such as centurions or squad leaders.

Such great progress is thanks to the Emperor's boundless grace.

Moreover, His Majesty the Emperor bestowed upon them the title of "Loyal and Brave," and ordered a stone inscription to be carved in Taiwan to commemorate their heroic story in this battle. This is an immense honor!

Qi Jin, Yu Qiang, and Wang Hu immediately bowed and said, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Yu Huatian looked at Qi Jin, Yu Qiang, and Wang Hu and congratulated them with a smile: "Congratulations to the three of you. From now on, you are officially on the side of the Wilderness Emperor. Your future success is just around the corner!"

Upon hearing Yu Huatian's words, the three men dared not presume to presume and immediately bowed to him, saying, "Thank you for your kind words, sir!"

Yu Huatian chuckled and said, "This is all we should do. We really appreciate your courage and resourcefulness."

After chatting with Qi Jin and the others for a few minutes...

Yu Huatian then took out another imperial edict.

Yu Huatian continued reading: "Since ancient times, emperors who expanded their territory and quelled rebellions through military achievements have all used their names to justify their achievements. Taiwan, an island, is an ancient island belonging to China. However, due to the crude and inconsistent system of governance throughout history, this island has been coveted by foreign barbarians who have privately landed on it, built cities, and seized it."

"Now that foreign barbarians have been driven out and the precious island has submitted, I have ordered the Grand Secretariat and the Ministry of Revenue to compile records and maps to set the record straight. I hereby name Taiwan Island as Taiwan, and establish Taiwan Prefecture, which is under the jurisdiction of the Fujian Provincial Administration Commission. I hereby name the northern military town Zhenhai City, which will be the seat of Taiwan Prefecture. I hereby name the southern stone city Fubo City, which will be the garrison of Yu Dayou's Eastern Ocean Fleet."

With this decree in effect, from now on, Taiwan will be the indisputable territory of the Ming Dynasty, and the islanders of Taiwan will be protected and recognized by the Ming Dynasty. They will be registered and recorded, making them legitimate citizens with Ming Dynasty status!
Upon hearing the imperial decree, Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou, and others showed expressions of excitement.

Because of these names and subsequent actions, it is clear that what they recovered was not just an island near the Ming Dynasty, but a territory that the Ming Dynasty has never been able to do without since ancient times!
With this change in nature, their achievements will naturally be passed down through the ages as Taiwan submits to and develops!

Then, after the imperial edict bestowing the name "Justice" was read out.

Yu Huatian then produced another imperial edict!
Yu Huatian addressed Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, saying, "Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou, receive the imperial decree!"

Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou immediately bowed to the ground again, saying, "Your Majesty, we, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, inquire after Your Majesty's well-being."

Yu Huatian replied in the standard manner on behalf of the emperor, "I am well."

Then he read aloud: "...Qi Jiguang is ordered to lead the main force of the Eastern Ocean Fleet to Shuangyuwei, to take charge of the defense of the islands in the East China Sea and the waters of Japan and Ryukyu; and to be responsible for exploration and patrol in the waters of Korea and the northeastern waters of Japan."

Qi Jiguang immediately bowed deeply and said, "Your subject Qi Jiguang obeys the imperial decree!"

Then Yu Huatian continued reading: "Yu Dayou's troops are to be stationed in Fubo City, responsible for the coastal defense of the islands in the South China Sea and the directions of Luzon and Sumatra. They are also responsible for the exploration and patrol of the southern waters of the South China Sea, and for monitoring the affairs of foreign barbarians and pirates in the Western Ocean (Indian Ocean).

Yu Dayou immediately followed suit and bowed, saying, "Your subject Yu Dayou obeys the imperial decree!"

After Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou respectfully received the imperial edict, their hearts pounded with excitement, and they immediately began to plan their respective defense adjustments. At this moment, Yu Huatian stepped forward again and said in a gentle voice...

Yu Huatian stepped forward and said with a smile, "His Majesty said that the two generals have worked together seamlessly for many years and are now stationed in the north and south respectively. He hopes that they can achieve great feats again, ensure that the vast coastal borders of our Great Ming Dynasty are as solid as a rock, and restore the prosperous era of peace and prosperity among all nations under Emperor Yongle!"

"We, your humble servants, will certainly not fail Your Majesty's grace!"

Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou then bowed in unison towards the direction of the capital with great excitement.

After the two finished their bows, Yu Huatian said, "From now on, I will continue to serve as the supervising eunuch for General Qi's troops, responsible for the morale and ideological development of the Eastern Ocean Fleet."

"In addition, Eunuch Wan Yulou will be the supervising eunuch of Commander Yu's troops. His work is the same as ours, which is related to the morale and ideological construction of the navy."

"These are also the things His Majesty is most concerned about in the capital. I hope that Commander Qi and Commander Yu will understand and cooperate with us in the future."

Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou were naturally overjoyed to hear this.

Now that this reform has been implemented, the supervising eunuchs no longer interfere in military affairs, which is naturally a welcome development for both of them.

So the two immediately replied politely to Yu Huatian, "You flatter us, sir. We are all of one mind, serving the country and loyal to His Majesty. Of course, we will cooperate with you in your duties."

Yu Huatian chuckled, feeling deeply gratified.

That night, the council hall of Fubo City was brightly lit. Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou spread out the nautical chart and discussed in detail the handover of defense responsibilities.

Qi Jiguang pointed to the map and said, "Shuangyuwei is the former territory of Wang Zhi's troops, and its terrain is strategically important. I plan to rebuild the island's fortifications and set up beacon towers on the surrounding islets to form an early warning system."

Yu Dayou nodded in approval, saying, "Brother Qi's plan is excellent. I will also increase patrols in Fubo City, especially in the western direction."

He pointed to the Strait of Malacca and continued, "According to maritime merchants, the foreign devils have also established a stronghold in the old lands of India. We must be wary of them, and they're even called the East India Company."

The two discussed until late at night, and formulated detailed joint defense regulations: to exchange military intelligence monthly; to use beacon fires as a signal in case of enemy activity; and to establish a supply station in the middle sea area to facilitate mutual support.
The following day, Qi Jiguang led his naval fleet and the supervising eunuch Yu Huatian away from Fubo City and headed towards Shuangyu Guard.

Several days later, Wan Yulou, the military supervisor on Yu Dayou's side, also arrived in Fubo City.

The eunuch, who was about thirty years old, was composed and immediately got to work after exchanging greetings with Yu Dayou.

"General Yu, this is the list of artillery pieces allocated by the Ministry of War."

Wan Yulou handed over the document and continued, "In addition, there are ten new cannons manufactured by the Ming Dynasty's military industry, specifically designed to deal with the barbarian hull ships."

Yu Dayou carefully inspected the supplies and found that not only were the military equipment and provisions complete, but they were even more plentiful than expected. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Eunuch Wan has been so thoughtful in his work. On behalf of all the soldiers, I thank you."

Wan Yulou humbly replied, "General, you flatter me. Although I am not knowledgeable in military affairs, I will do my best in logistical support. Eunuch Yu specifically instructed that we must ensure that the soldiers have enough food and clothing so that we can defend the sea frontier."

Meanwhile, Qi Jiguang had already begun defense construction at Shuangyuwei. The original pirate strongholds on the island were converted into military camps, and watchtowers were newly built on higher ground. Yu Huatian personally supervised the distribution of provisions and pay, ensuring that every penny was used effectively.

"General, the Ryukyu envoy requests an audience."

Qi Jin, the commander of the personal guards, came to report.

Qi Jiguang received the envoy in a temporary military tent. The Ryukyuan bowed respectfully and said, "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, Japanese ships have been frequently appearing in our waters recently, seemingly mapping our nautical charts. Our King has specially dispatched me to report this."

Qi Jiguang frowned slightly: "Do you know which powerful family was behind this?"

"According to our investigation, they are from the Shimazu clan of Kyushu," the envoy replied. "What's even stranger is that there are red-haired foreigners on board."

This news alarmed Qi Jiguang. The collusion between Japanese lords and Westerners was certainly not a good thing. He immediately wrote a letter, dispatched a fast ship to Fubo City, and simultaneously formally reported it to the imperial court.

Half a month later, news also came from Fubo City. Yu Dayou wrote in an official document: "The Nanyang patrol fleet has discovered three Dutch warships north of Borneo and has strengthened patrols in that area. Furthermore, according to reports from Chinese merchants in Luzon, the Spanish are forming an alliance with local chieftains, their intentions unclear."

The two commanders frequently exchanged intelligence through official channels, always sending copies to the supervising officer and the imperial court, acting with integrity and transparency. Yu Huatian and Wan Yulou also diligently performed their duties, promptly reporting coastal defense needs to the imperial court to secure more support.

On this day, Qi Jiguang was inspecting the newly trained musketeer team at the Shuangyu Military Training Ground. This elite force of three hundred men was fully equipped with the latest matchlock guns and was conducting live-fire training on moving targets at sea.

"Report!"

A messenger rushed in, "General, an imperial edict has arrived from Zhejiang!"

Qi Jiguang unfolded the document, which was the Ministry of War's reply to the recent military situation: "Qi Jiguang is instructed to strengthen patrols in the waters around Ryukyu, and if necessary, to send envoys to warn the Japanese lords; Yu Dayou's troops shall continue to monitor the Dutch movements, but must not provoke them."

The document also included a special note at the end: "If the naval forces of the two towns encounter any major enemy situation, they may act accordingly and report back afterwards."

This gave the two commanders some discretionary decision-making power. Qi Jiguang immediately convened a meeting of his generals: "From today onwards, the patrol area will be expanded to the north of Ryukyu, and we will pay special attention to any signs of contact between the Japanese and Westerners."

In Fubo City, Yu Dayou also received the same imperial decree. After discussing with Wan Yulou, he decided to form a rapid response fleet: "Select ten of the fastest warships, equip them with elite troops, and station them permanently in the central part of the South China Sea. Once the enemy is discovered, they can respond immediately."

Wan Yulou added, "I have petitioned the court to set up a supply station in Qiongzhou to facilitate the fleet's long-term patrols."

Time flies, and three months have passed in the blink of an eye.

During this period, the two commanders improved their respective defense systems: Qi Jiguang established a comprehensive coastal defense early warning system in Shuangyuwei and trained the navy to master the use of new firearms; Yu Dayou strengthened the defense of Fubo City and formed a mobile fleet.

On this day, Qi Jiguang was examining the newly arrived nautical charts when Qi Jin rushed in: "General, the patrol boat has brought back an important prisoner!"

It turned out that a Japanese warship had been intercepted in patrol waters. In addition to Japanese sailors, there was also a Dutch officer on board. After interrogation, a shocking conspiracy came to light: several daimyo from the Japanese mainland were plotting with the Dutch to launch a joint attack on the Ming Dynasty's coast to avenge previous humiliations.

Qi Jiguang immediately wrote an urgent military report and dispatched fast ships to deliver it to the imperial court and Fubo City. In the report, he suggested: "Please order Yu Dayou's troops to strengthen their defenses and prevent the Red-haired Barbarians from launching a feint attack."

When the military report arrived at Fubo City, Yu Dayou was watching the test firing of new artillery at the drill ground. After reading the report, his expression turned solemn: "Just as I expected!" He turned to Wan Yulou and said, "Please, Your Excellency, immediately petition the court to send reinforcements. At the same time, we must prepare for battle."

Wan Yulou solemnly replied, "Rest assured, Commander, I will take care of it immediately. Also, should we send a few warships north to support Commander Qi?"

Yu Dayou shook his head and said, "Without a clear order from the imperial court, we cannot mobilize the main force without authorization. However, we can strengthen patrols to ensure that there is no trouble in the South Seas, so that Commander Qi will have no worries about the rear."

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