The Ming Dynasty: The opening scene features Zhu Di angrily accusing him of illegitimate succession.

Chapter 114 Jiangnan is still plagued by floods?

Lin Yue said loudly, "Now we have more than a hundred giant ships and two thousand elite officers and soldiers, with cannons and armor. If we go out to sea from Longjiang, we will be in the area of ​​Japanese pirates. How can we turn a blind eye to this and head straight north?"

"As members of the Ming Dynasty's navy, we should naturally lead our troops south to first quell the coastal pirates, severely punish them, and safeguard the peace and tranquility of our Ming people!"

Upon hearing this, Zheng He's expression froze, his brows furrowed, and he looked troubled.

"Scholar Lin, it is right to protect the borders and people and quell the Japanese pirates, but His Majesty has given a clear decree before his departure, ordering us to immediately go to Korea to proclaim the vassal state and not to concern ourselves with the affairs of the Jiangnan coastal area for the time being, so as to go directly to Korea and settle the vassal affairs."

Furthermore, suppressing the Japanese pirates is the responsibility of the coastal garrisons of Zhejiang and Fujian. We are an envoy fleet, and to deviate from His Majesty's orders by changing our itinerary to go south to suppress the pirates is ultimately inappropriate.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue glanced at Zheng He and said, "Eunuch Zheng followed His Majesty in raising troops to quell the rebellion, fought across the battlefield, and made outstanding military achievements. I thought you were a hero with the world in your heart and ambitions for the four seas, but I never expected you to be just a timid and hesitant official."

Could it be that Eunuch Zheng lacks any ambition?

Zheng He's expression changed slightly, and he shook his head helplessly, cupping his hands and saying, "Scholar, I dare not accept such words. My only wish in this life is to follow Your Majesty and dedicate myself to the Ming Dynasty. How could I have any lofty ambitions?"

"Since you follow His Majesty, you should naturally keep the Ming Dynasty in your heart and know that protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people is the duty of a subject and a way to share the burdens of the ruler."

Lin Yue said loudly, "In the past, Huo Qubing, the General of the Cavalry of the Han Dynasty, said, 'How can I have a home when the Xiongnu have not been destroyed?' Furthermore, Ban Chao abandoned his pen for the sword and led thirty-six men on a mission to the Western Regions. How was he able to pacify thirty-six kingdoms and demonstrate the might of the Han Dynasty?"

"Your Excellency commands a powerful army and a mighty warship, yet you watch helplessly as the Japanese pirates invade our territory and harm our people, choosing instead to bypass them and turn a blind eye. How can you live up to His Majesty's trust, and how can you face the people along the coast?"

Zheng He's brow twitched slightly, but he still hesitated before saying, "But His Majesty's decree..."

"When a general is in the field, he may disobey the emperor's orders. If things go wrong, I will take full responsibility." Lin Yue slammed his hand on the large table, his voice resolute.

"Emperor Taizu Gao issued edicts repeatedly, ordering the coastal garrisons to strengthen coastal defenses, strike hard against Japanese pirates, and protect our maritime borders. This is an ancestral system!"

His Majesty has sent us on this mission to secure the vassal states and enhance the prestige of our nation. However, if our rear is not secure and the coastal pirates continue to cause trouble, how can we possibly manage our affairs in peace even if we reach Korea? And how can the vassal states of Korea submit to the Ming Dynasty when they see the pirates causing chaos?

"Eliminating the Japanese pirate threat along the coast will eliminate any future worries; this is the only truly foolproof solution!"

Seeing that Zheng He still looked hesitant, Lin Yue decided to continue using his persuasive skills and try his best to convince him.

"Does Your Excellency know of Tong Guan, a man from the former Song Dynasty, who, like Your Excellency, rose from the ranks of a court official, yet commanded the Song army for twenty years, conquering the Western Xia and pacifying Fang La, rising through the ranks to Grand Tutor based on his border exploits, and ultimately being granted the title of Prince of Guangyang..."

""

Before he could finish speaking, Zheng He's expression changed drastically. He suddenly jumped up from his seat and waved his hands repeatedly.

"Scholar, be careful what you say! Tong Guan, alas... How dare this old servant, a mere palace official, harbor such rebellious thoughts? Scholar, you must not speak of it again!"

Zheng He had always known that Lin Yue was prone to making startling remarks and often said things that were shocking and unconventional. However, he never expected that Lin Yue would use Tong Guan as an example, which truly made Zheng He feel a chill down his spine and leave him speechless.

Seeing this, Lin Yue calmly continued, "What are you afraid of, Father-in-law? It's not like we're asking you to learn from him and abuse your power to ruin the country."

Someone said that even a treacherous person like Tong Guan could earn a title and a privilege for his wife and children based on his merits on the frontier, let alone the eunuch? The eunuch followed His Majesty in pacifying the rebellion, charging into battle and repeatedly making great contributions.

Now that we have the most elite navy in the Ming Dynasty, if we can wipe out the Japanese pirates who have plagued us for many years and save millions of people along the coast from suffering, His Majesty will reward us handsomely.

If one day he achieves extraordinary feats and leaves his name in history, why should he worry about not receiving a special honor?

Zheng He finally couldn't hold back any longer and said urgently, "Scholar, please stop talking. I will agree to what you have said."

As the scholar suggested, the fleet should first sail to the coastal areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang to quell the Japanese pirate threat, and then discuss the matter of the diplomatic mission.

Seeing this, Lin Yue straightened his expression, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Excellency's understanding of righteousness is truly a blessing for the Ming Dynasty and the people along the coast!"

After saying that, Lin Yue turned and left the main cabin, the sound of his boots echoing through the wooden corridor and gradually fading into the distance.

Zheng He stood before the important case, his gaze shifting from the direction where the figure had disappeared to the nautical chart spread out on the table.

Looking at the dense clusters of Hong Kong and Wuhan signs along the coast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Zheng He's heart was filled with turmoil. He had rushed to agree to the matter just now. Was it because he was afraid that Lin Yue would utter some outrageous and unconventional words, or was it because he himself harbored a deep-seated ambition to be remembered in history? Zheng He himself couldn't say for sure.

The fleet sailed down the river, their sails obscuring the sun. With the help of the river winds and currents, they reached Wusongkou in just three days.

With the river wide open, the fleet lowered its sails and anchored at the deep-water port between Wusongjiang and Baoshan.

When the guards at the port saw that it was the imperial envoy's fleet, they rushed to greet them, but Zheng He sent them all back, only instructing them to guard the port strictly and not to make a fuss.

As soon as the fleet anchored and settled at Wusongkou, Lin Yue stepped into the captain's cabin of the main ship.

Zheng He was bent over his large nanmu desk when he saw Lin enter and asked, "Scholar Lin, what brings you here? Is there something important?"

Lin Yue got straight to the point: "I plan to leave the ship immediately and go to the areas of Suzhou and Songjiang to personally investigate the coastal conditions, see how badly the Japanese pirates have spread, and what the people are going through."

Zheng He immediately frowned, looking troubled: "Is it inappropriate for the scholar to be far from the fleet at this time?"

"The scholar is the deputy envoy appointed by His Majesty. He has left the fleet without permission and entered the civilian population without authorization. If the Japanese pirates are serious in the Suzhou and Songjiang areas, things could get very bad."

Seeing Lin Yue open his mouth to argue, Zheng He immediately stepped back before he could speak: "Even if we want to investigate the situation of the Japanese pirates, there is no need for the scholar to put himself in danger."

"Wouldn't it be safer if I sent a capable centurion with several dozen elite soldiers to the various prefectures and counties of Suzhou and Songjiang to gather thorough information on the local conditions and the Japanese pirates, and then report back to you without missing a single word?"

Lin Yue also thought it was a good idea. He wasn't some kind of all-powerful old man who just liked to go to the south of the Yangtze River to observe the people's conditions and watch others kneel down.

However, the problem is that if he doesn't go to the places in person, how can he use the excuse of inspection to dominate the area?

So Lin Yue shook his head and insisted, "Local officials always report good news and never bad news. When the soldiers below inquire, they can only get a superficial understanding."

I witnessed the great floods in Jiangnan last year. The prefecture and county reported that the disaster had subsided and the people were safe and sound. But what was the actual situation?

I won't feel at ease unless I go and see for myself.

Zheng He frowned even more, about to speak, when he saw Lin Yue raise an eyebrow, glance at him, and move his lips slightly, as if preparing something to say.

His heart tightened suddenly, and he instantly recalled the nonsense he had uttered a few days ago about "Eunuch Tong Guan being granted the title of king." With a look of utter helplessness, he finally let go.

"Alright, alright! If you wish to go, then go. But I hope you will take many guards with you and never travel alone. The Japanese pirates in this area are fierce and there are many bandits. You must not be careless."

Lin Yue smiled and agreed, then turned and left. In just a moment, he mounted his horse and set off.

Zhao Hu, accompanied by more than ten guards, left the dock and sped along the official road. After about two hours, they entered the territory of Shanghai County.

The fields along the roadside are mostly abandoned, with rotten rice roots still soaked in muddy water. The dilapidated village houses have crumbling walls and leaky roofs, creating a desolate scene.

Lin Yue frowned, spurred his horse, and galloped towards Chenjia Village.

Upon arriving in the village, they found it even more desolate, with nine out of ten houses empty and doors wide open. After much difficulty, they finally found Chen's father's earthen house. Lin Yue dismounted and gently knocked on the door.

A short while later, the door opened, and out came Chen's father.

After only a few months, Mr. Chen looked much older, with deep wrinkles on his face and sunken eyes.

Upon seeing Lin Yue, he was stunned for a long time before recognizing her.

After a long exchange of pleasantries, Lin Yue helped Chen's father into the house.

Looking up, the scene was desolate; apart from a broken wooden bed and a broken pot, there was nothing else in the room.

Lin Yue asked, "Brother Chen, after the flood, the imperial court sent Vice Minister Xia to Jiangnan to manage the floods and provide disaster relief. How are things these days? Are the river embankments properly repaired?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Chen shook his head repeatedly and sighed, "In early August, it rained heavily for another seven or eight days, and the newly repaired section of the river embankment collapsed again."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue was furious. He slammed his fist on the earthen wall and shouted angrily, "Xia Yuanji is a mediocre official who lives up to his reputation!"

Before I left Jiangnan last year, I had already compiled all the information about the Wusong River's water flow and the key points of dredging and repairing the dikes into a book and handed it over to him!

The weakest sections and how to reinforce them were clearly written down, and 100,000 laborers were even allocated to him. He was ordered to control the floods, spending a million taels of silver from the imperial court, and this is the result? It can't even withstand a heavy rain. Does he even know how to control floods?!

He became angrier the more he cursed. Last year, during the great floods in Jiangnan, he witnessed firsthand the tragic scene of people being displaced and starving to death.

They thought that Xia Yuanji's arrival would strengthen the river embankment and give the people a way to survive, but unexpectedly, the embankment collapsed again after only two months, and the people suffered another disaster.

After cursing for a while, he looked at the empty mud house and Chen's father's hunched and old appearance, and his anger turned into a heavy sigh.

He sighed deeply and asked slowly, "Brother Chen, where's your daughter? Why can't I find her?"

Mr. Chen shook his head slightly: "The girl is gone."

Lin Yue was stunned and stood there speechless for a long time.

My sharp memory came into play once again, and I could still vividly recall the timid little girl from last year, munching on pastries with a beaming smile.

Lin Yue found it hard to accept this outcome. He had specifically left food and money for the father and daughter, hoping they could get through the difficulties and live a good life. How could they be gone?

He composed himself and pressed, "What happened? It was perfectly fine, how could it just disappear like that?"

"He caught a cold during the recent heavy rains. He coughed day and night, and when he was delirious with fever, he died," Mr. Chen said frankly.

Lin Yue fell silent.

Upon hearing this, he looked again at the bare earthen house, then at Chen's father, and saw that his face was much more hunched and aged than when they first met, and he had a completely different feeling.

When I first met him last year, the father and daughter were being bullied, but they were still able to make ends meet. After his daughter was rescued, Mr. Chen's spirits were also quite good. However, when we met again after the flood, Mr. Chen was much more tired and thinner.

Now, at their third meeting, it seems that Chen's father has lost everything and has no relatives left.

Lin Yue stood silently in the empty mud house for a long time before finally speaking slowly: "Brother Chen, you are all alone now. This mud house is dilapidated and the fields are flooded. It is not appropriate for you to stay here. Why don't you come with me from now on?"

He wasn't exactly wealthy, but he had enough to eat and wear, and was at least settled.

Upon hearing this, a look of confusion flashed in Mr. Chen's cloudy eyes, and then he slowly shook his head.

He stood up, leaning against the wall, then turned to look at the fields submerged in water outside the window, and refused, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, but I still want to stay here."

The reason why Chen's father was unwilling to leave was very simple: he simply couldn't bear to leave his homeland.

This place is his birthplace, and he doesn't want to leave; he longs to return to his roots.

Lin Yue looked at him and roughly understood his thoughts, but she didn't want him to be trapped and die in the deserted village.

He decided not to try to persuade him any further, and instead gave Zhao Hu a wink: "Zhao Hu, pack some important things and help the old man onto his horse."

Chen's father was shocked and waved his hands repeatedly before stepping back.

Lin Yue stepped forward and, without a word, took his arm, her tone leaving no room for argument: "Brother Chen, don't be stubborn. Follow me, and at least you'll survive. If you want to come back and visit later, it's not too late."

Before Chen's father could argue further, Zhao Hu, along with his other entourage, quickly packed up the belongings in the house and left with Chen's father.

Sitting on his horse, Chen's father looked back at the dilapidated mud house, sighed deeply, and drove away from the desolate village.

After returning to the fleet and settling Chen's father in, Lin Yue went straight to his room.

He sat at his desk, his brows furrowed. The details of events in Jiangnan were gradually becoming clear in his mind. Right now, the two most important things were to be done.

One of the problems is flooding.

Xia Yuanji's attempt to solve the floods in Jiangnan was unexpected by Lin Yue. He was ordered to manage the floods, which cost millions of dollars and tens of thousands of laborers, but the newly built river embankments could not even withstand a heavy rain. This could not be explained by simply saying that "his abilities were lacking."

Either his investigation was not thorough enough or his strategy was flawed, or it was caused by layers of officials embezzling funds and materials for dike repair and cutting corners at each level.

After much thought, Lin Yue felt that both reasons must be true, and if Xia Yuanji was truly capable, this situation should not have occurred.

Secondly, there was the threat of Japanese pirates.

In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, the Japanese pirates were nothing more than a motley crew of Japanese ronin, weak in strength. How could they have run rampant along the coast of Jiangnan?

There must be an insider colluding with them, providing them with information, supplies, and even protecting and condoning them.

The most likely culprits are the garrisons along the coast. These garrison soldiers should have been the first line of defense against the Japanese pirates, but now they allow the pirates to come ashore and plunder. They are either incompetent and cowardly, or they have already been bought off by the pirates and are traitors.

In theory, things should be done one by one, but time waits for no one. A fierce glint flashed in Lin Yue's eyes, so he decided to push many things forward at once.

As long as one dares to kill, unless it's something as unscientific as giving birth in a month, other matters can definitely be carried out quickly.

Lin Yue immediately summoned pen and ink, intending to write a strongly worded letter denouncing Xia Yuanji for his ineffective flood control and disregard for the lives of the people.

The letter begins by cursing: "Xia Yuanji, you're an amateur! Can you even manage flood control? If you can't, then resign and go home to raise pigs!"