My father is Jiajing

In late autumn, the sea breeze on Jeju Island carries a salty, fishy smell.

In high spirits, Qi Jiguang arranged the task of monitoring the movements of the Japanese in the temporary headquarters of the Eastern Ocean Fleet on Jeju Island.

At this moment, Deng Zilong, the deputy general he had arranged to monitor Luo Longwen, had also arrived in Seoul, the capital of Korea.

As an envoy from the Celestial Empire, Deng Zilong was warmly welcomed by the Korean king and his officials as soon as he arrived in the Korean capital.

Deng Zilong is also very proud of this!

After all, this is the honor of being an envoy from a superior nation!

After exchanging pleasantries with a group of visiting North Korean officials, Deng Zilong did not forget his business.

His visit to Seoul was not merely to inform Joseon that the Ming Dynasty intended to requisition Jeju Island.

He also had a small, unexpected task to complete.

That is to monitor and confirm the identity of Luo Longwen, the wanted fugitive who was discovered earlier!

Although capturing Luo Longwen at this point wouldn't be considered a major achievement, it was still an unexpected bonus, so why not take it?

Therefore, after dealing with the sycophantic flattery of the North Korean officials, Deng Zilong sent his close associates to monitor and confirm Luo Longwen's whereabouts and news.

Half a day later.

When Deng Zilong's personal guard Zhao Er returned, he reported to Deng Zilong with a delighted voice, "General Deng, we have news. Our people and informants have confirmed that the man is indeed Luo Longwen. Moreover, I personally took a look at the portrait and confirmed it."

Upon hearing this, Deng Zilong was overjoyed. A glint of light flashed in his eyes, and his fingers unconsciously began to rub the hilt of the knife at his waist.

Luo Longwen, a wanted criminal who has been on the imperial court's wanted list for many years. He was also one of the core members of the Yan faction. If he could be captured and brought back to the Ming Dynasty, although it wouldn't be a particularly great achievement, it wouldn't be a small one either.

The imperial court's reward will bring many benefits!

Deng Zilong said happily, "Am I sure I'm not mistaken? There can't be any problems with this."

Zhao Er replied, "Don't worry, General Deng, I will never make a mistake."

After saying that, Zhao Er took out a yellowed piece of paper from his pocket, on which was drawn a portrait of Luo Longwen.

He then added, "I confirmed it by looking at the portrait, and I also secretly gathered some information to corroborate it. He is indeed the wanted criminal Luo Longwen!"

Upon hearing this, Deng Zilong couldn't help but laugh. "This Luo Longwen is really bold. He fled to Korea and even changed his name, still using his original name. It seems he really didn't expect the court to send us to Korea one day."

Zhao Er also laughed and said, "That's right, otherwise why would people say Luo Longwen is so bold? It's just that he's unlucky. If he hadn't come to North Korea, he might have been able to live a carefree life here for the rest of his life."

"But unfortunately, heaven is watching what people do. He did so many heinous things with Yan Shifan back then, thinking that running away would solve everything. Little did he know that man proposes, God disposes, and he still ended up running into our arms."

Deng Zilong smiled and nodded, feeling extremely emotional. Back then, this guy tried to sow discord between the current emperor and Prince Jing, but after the incident was exposed, he fled and was never heard from again.

A few years ago, when Yan Shifan's case came to light, he was mentioned again, but we still couldn't find where he was. Unexpectedly, he had fled to North Korea.

They really know how to cause trouble!

Deng Zilong said, "Pass down the order to send two clever brothers to keep an eye on him, but don't alert him. I'll go and report to Commander Qi again right away."

Deng Zilong rushed back to Jeju Island from Seoul to see Qi Jiguang.

When Qi Jiguang heard that Deng Zilong had come to pay his respects, he immediately invited him in.

When Deng Zilong saw Qi Jiguang, he couldn't help but rush over with joy and clasped his hands in a fist and bow, saying, "General, it's confirmed, it's Luo Longwen!"

Qi Jiguang chuckled, "Excellent, excellent, well done!"

Then Qi Jiguang added, "Continue to monitor the situation. Eunuch Yu has already submitted a memorial to the court regarding this matter, and I believe we will receive a reply soon."

"Now you just keep an eye on him. If he doesn't move, we don't move either. If he does move, you take him down immediately. Don't let him get away."

Deng Zilong immediately bowed and said, "This subordinate understands!"

After giving instructions to Deng Zilong, Qi Jiguang got up and paced back and forth, then frowned slightly as he pondered Luo Longwen.

He felt that there must be something fishy about Luo Longwen's appearance in Korea. After all, the Yan Shifan case had broken out again two years ago, and according to the later interrogation, Luo Longwen was the key to Yan Shifan's collusion with the Japanese.

Unfortunately, at that time, Luo Longwen had already been a wanted criminal on the run for many years, and it was impossible to catch him directly.

His appearance in Korea this time confirms the interrogation testimony given before Yan Shifan's execution, suggesting that Luo Longwen is not a simple man.

Qi Jiguang pondered for a moment and said, "You must pay close attention to this matter. Luo Longwen is the key to Yan Shifan's major case of colluding with Japanese pirates. Back then, we only managed to find out information about him, but we didn't catch him."

"He must have something to rely on to be able to remain in North Korea without changing his name or surname. Otherwise, I can't figure out why he would be so blatant."

Qi Jiguang turned to Deng Zilong and instructed, "Send more men to monitor him and find out who he is associating with. At the same time, record all of these people."

After listening to Qi Jiguang's words, Deng Zilong couldn't help but feel nervous.

Deng Zilong hesitated before speaking, then said, "General, what if North Korea protects him?"

Qi Jiguang sneered: "That's perfect. I'd like to see who dares to harbor a wanted criminal of my Great Ming!"

Qi Jiguang's words surprised Deng Zilong slightly, but he then laughed.

Yes, how could North Korea dare to oppose the Ming Dynasty?

Do they not want to live anymore?

Meanwhile, in a private room on the second floor of the "Goryeoge" in Seoul, the capital of Joseon.

Luo Longwen kept chugging Goryeo soju, one glass after another. Although the liquor wasn't very good, after living in Korea for so long, he had almost gotten used to the taste.

After all, even if this wine is bad, it's still better than the sake he drank in Japan back then!
"Sir, please drink less."

Luo Longwen's attendant worriedly whispered to him, "Master, we still have to see Zheng Yizheng tomorrow."

Luo Longwen ignored him and poured himself another glass. The wine swirled in the glass, reflecting his haggard face.

These years of fleeing have taken me from the Ming Dynasty to the sea, then to Japan, and now to Korea.

He fled like a stray dog. He thought he could live out his days in peace on Jeju Island, but then the Ming Dynasty navy suddenly arrived.

"Afu, did you see clearly? Are there really strangers around our mansion?" Luo Longwen's voice trembled.

Luo Fu said nervously, "Yes, sir, I was not mistaken. These new faces are obviously different from Koreans. Moreover, I secretly had the Korean servants in the manor test them. They are not Koreans at all, they must be people from the Ming Dynasty!"

Luo Longwen's hand trembled, and half of the wine spilled.

After all these years, I never expected that the Ming Dynasty would find us again.

If I hadn't been so blinded by greed and followed Yan Shifan in the hope of gaining wealth and power through the merit of supporting the emperor, I wouldn't be in this predicament today!
What angered Luo Longwen even more was Zheng Bin!
That son of a bitch took the money and did nothing!

They've already come knocking on his door, which shows just how bad Luo Longwen's mood is right now!

Luo Longwen put down his wine glass, thought for a moment, and said in a deep voice, "Prepare the sedan chair! I need to see Zheng Bin immediately!"

Half an hour later, an inconspicuous sedan chair stopped at the side gate of the villa of Jeong Bin, the Left State Councilor of North Korea.

Luo Longwen quietly followed the servants of the villa and was led into the inner room of the villa. At this moment, Zheng Bin was enjoying tea. When he saw Luo Longwen enter, he merely raised his eyelids slightly before returning his gaze to the tea set in front of him.

"Prime Minister Zheng, you said you would help Luo, but why are people already monitoring Luo's doorstep?"

Zheng Bin slowly put down his teacup. This high-ranking Korean official was in his early fifties, with a fair complexion and shrewd, narrow eyes. "Mr. Luo, why are you so alarmed? Although Korea is a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, it has its own laws. If the Ming Dynasty wants to arrest someone, there must be a reason."

"Come, have a taste. This is a newly purchased Pu'er black tea from the Ming Dynasty. I heard it's very popular there."

Seeing Zheng Bin like this, Luo Longwen could only suppress his anger for the time being, and sat cross-legged opposite Zheng Bin, drinking the Pu'er tea that Zheng Bin had brewed without any taste in his mouth.

To be honest, this tea is quite ordinary. Compared to the tea Luo Longwen could drink back when he was living a carefree life in the Ming Dynasty, it's worlds apart!

But this is not the time for Luo Longwen to show off, nor is it the time for him to indulge in Zheng Bin's culinary delights.

At this moment, all he wanted was to save his life and to get an explanation from Zheng Bin.

Luo Longwen said, "Prime Minister Zheng, when you accepted 100,000 taels of silver from me a few days ago, did you promise to guarantee my safety?"

"Hey--"

Zheng Bin drew out a long sigh and put down his teacup.

Looking at Luo Longwen with regret, he continued, "Mr. Luo, times have changed. It's not that I'm unwilling to help, but now that the Ming Dynasty envoys have arrived in Seoul, things are not so easy."

At this point, Zheng Bin was also observing Luo Longwen's reaction.

Seeing that Luo Longwen's expression was about to explode, he pretended to be deep in thought and pondered, "Unless..."

"Unless what? Minister Zheng, please speak freely!"

Zheng Bin's "unless" acted like a lifeline for Luo Longwen.

Zheng Bin lowered his voice and continued to offer advice to Luo Longwen, "Unless Mr. Luo can ask His Highness the Crown Prince to intercede on his behalf. The Crown Prince is deeply favored by our King, and if he could say a few good words, perhaps things could be turned around."

Upon hearing this, Luo Longwen immediately became excited as well.

It seems like a new lifeline has appeared, and it's even more hopeful than before!

Luo Longwen said excitedly, "Then I will trouble Prime Minister Zheng to make the introduction! I am willing to offer another 100,000 taels as a tribute to the Crown Prince!"

A flicker of greed crossed Zheng Bin's eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He stroked his goatee, frowned, and said in a low voice, "Ten thousand taels probably won't be enough. The Crown Prince's status is extremely high."

Upon hearing this, Luo Longwen couldn't help but curse inwardly.

How big is North Korea anyway? 100,000 taels of silver isn't enough?

In the Ming Dynasty, if you had 100,000 taels of silver, you could probably get a vice minister or a provincial governor. That's much better than the hellish place in Korea.

But people under the eaves have to bow their heads.

Luo Longwen gritted his teeth and said, "150,000! I, Luo, am willing to offer 150,000 taels as a tribute to the Crown Prince!"

When Zheng Bin heard that Luo Longwen actually had so much silver, and that he had just prepared to let Luo Longwen bargain, thinking that he could squeeze another 30,000 to 50,000 taels out of him, he was shocked.

Unexpectedly, Luo Longwen immediately added another 50,000 taels, indicating that he had indeed taken away Yan Shifan's entire fortune.

Zheng Bin flashed a bright smile, "Mr. Luo is indeed straightforward. Here's what we'll do: give me the money first, and I'll take care of things. I'll get back to you in three days."

Upon hearing this, Luo Longwen couldn't help but relent and thanked Zheng Bin again.

Then, under the cover of darkness that night, Luo Longwen ordered Luo Fu to lead men to secretly hand over the silver to Zheng Bin's men.

Zheng Bin was overjoyed to see so much silver being moved into his home. He immediately said to Luo Fu, "Go back and tell your master that this matter will definitely succeed!"

After saying this, he personally escorted Luo Fu to the door, looking completely confident. This made Luo Fu believe that it really could be done, and he hurriedly went back to report the good news to Luo Longwen.

After Luo Fu walked away, Zheng Bin returned to the inner room and said to the person behind the screen, "Come out."

A middle-aged man dressed in a scholar's robe stepped out; it was Jin Dahuan, Zheng Bin's trusted advisor. "Does the Prime Minister really intend to help him?"

Zheng Bin scoffed and said disdainfully, "Help him? He's just a stray dog. This money will just be enough to cover the losses we've accumulated over the years."

After saying that, Zheng Bin stroked the silver ingots with satisfaction. "As for Luo Longwen, let him live a few more days. If the Ming Dynasty really wants to arrest him, we can send him away; if the Ming Dynasty doesn't pursue the matter, the money will be safe and sound."

Kim Dae-hwan hesitated, "But what if the Crown Prince finds out?"

"The Crown Prince? What Crown Prince? If you don't say it, who will say the Crown Prince?"

Zheng Bin sneered, "Besides, the crown prince is still young, and we still have the final say in the court affairs. Go and spread the word that there is a wanted criminal from the upper state hiding in Korea, and see how everyone reacts."

A few days later, Zhu Zaiji, who was far away in the capital, received another memorial from Yu Huatian. When Zhu Zaiji saw the contents of the memorial, he couldn't help but laugh.

So many years have passed, and Zhu Zaiji had almost forgotten about Luo Longwen, this prodigy.

Unexpectedly, Qi Jiguang and his men stumbled upon his whereabouts in Korea.

Now that they've discovered it, Zhu Zaiji certainly won't let Luo Longwen off so easily, after all, Luo Longwen is a wanted criminal who has been on the run for many years.

Now that their whereabouts have been discovered, it is both reasonable and morally right for them to arrest them, interrogate them, and then bring them to justice to demonstrate the strictness of the law and the fairness of the national law!

Therefore, Zhu Zaiji wrote a note after Yu Huatian's memorial, "Take action according to the law!"
Then Meng Chong was instructed to send the memorial back to Jeju Island.

After the memorial reached Jeju Island, Yu Huatian received a reply from Zhu Zaiji, and he immediately relayed the matter to Qi Jiguang.

After seeing Zhu Zaiji's decree, Qi Jiguang immediately sent someone to inform Deng Zilong.

Two days later, Deng Zilong, accompanied by two personal guards, openly began to monitor Luo Longwen's movements from the second floor of a teahouse opposite "Goryeoju".

"President Deng, ever since Luo Longwen returned from seeing Zheng Bin, he has been staying indoors and even having his meals delivered by the waiter," Zhao Er reported.

Deng Zilong nodded: "Any news from Zheng Bin's side?"

Zhao Er frowned and said, "That's the strange thing. Zheng Bin accepted the money but didn't do anything. Today, several Korean officials came to his residence, seemingly discussing something."

Deng Zilong sneered and said, "It seems that Luo Longwen has been taken advantage of."

Then Deng Zilong thought for a moment and continued, "Keep an eye on him and see what other tricks he can pull!"

Just then, Deng Zilong was leisurely drinking tea while monitoring Luo Longwen.

A group of North Korean soldiers suddenly surrounded "Goryeo House," led by Kim Dae-hwan, a close confidant of Jung Bin.

Deng Zilong was puzzled for a moment when he saw this, but then he quickly realized what was going on.

Deng Zilong suddenly stood up and exclaimed excitedly, "Oh no! The North Koreans are going to strike first!"

Zhao Er panicked upon hearing this, "General Deng, what should we do? If the North Koreans capture Luo Longwen, the credit will go to them!"

I never expected such a thrilling spectacle to unfold at this critical juncture! It's truly unexpected!
Deng Zilong hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and immediately ordered, "Let our men come out and fight the Koreans. Luo Longwen is, after all, a wanted criminal of our Great Ming Dynasty. It's not up to the Koreans to arrest him!"

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