Chapter 1: The Chaos Begins

Regardless of whether he believes or not, at this moment, he is lying on a magnificent bed, a treasure of later generations, in the body of an ancient youth from hundreds of years ago, quietly listening to the night rain. This is an undeniable fact. Instead of entangling himself in how he came to be, or lamenting the past life he once had, it would be better to seriously consider the future path of this life.

Zheng Kezang, the grandson of Zhu Chenggong and the son of Zhu Jin, was originally the rightful heir to the Ming Zheng regime in Taiwan. However, he was assassinated due to the power struggles of ambitious officials. After his death, he left behind a eulogy in Taiwan stating, "When the husband dies, the wife also dies; when the ruler falls, the Ming dynasty also falls"

Zheng Kezang, who was aware that Zhu Jin had spent the night at Chen Zhaoniang's place, immediately knelt down and said: "Father, I pay my respects to you."

Chen Zhaoniang also covered her mouth while listening to Zhu Jin's response. Zhu Jin shot an annoyed glance at the eunuch and said to Zheng Kezang in a gentle tone: "I still don't know? It certainly won't reach Taiwan."

Since she once served as Zheng Zhi's wet nurse, it can be imagined that Chen Zhaoniang must have had a husband and a history of childbirth. However, at the age of nineteen, Zhu Jin disregarded the accusations from the generals and the anger of his father, Zhu Chenggong, and fell in love with this woman. From this, it can be inferred that she must have possessed astonishing beauty

The chief officer, stroking his chin, was still pondering the enemy's intentions, while the lookout above shouted loudly: "My lord, it seems the Tartars have also discovered us. Ah, no, that can't be right. My lord, look quickly, the enemy ship opposite has suddenly lowered its sails."

At this moment, two fast patrol boats of the Zheng army, departing from the water village of Baisha Island, are cruising along the waterway twenty nautical miles west of the Penghu Islands, one following the other. Due to the abandonment of Jinmen and Xiamen, the ambitions of the Qing army in Fujian to further covet Taiwan have been exacerbated. Therefore, these soldiers of the Zheng army must remain vigilant, ready to defend against enemy ships sent from the opposite shore to spy on them.

Upon thinking of this, Fang Ming immediately began to search through the remnants of the memories of the boy's soul that he had consumed. However, his expression suddenly turned long: "What the hell is m.hetushu.com.com? How could it be that unlucky guy Zheng Kezang? God, could it be that you are playing tricks on me again?"

It seems that the primary objective in the coming years is to command an armed force that is directly obedient to oneself

Soon, they discovered the first target of today's cruise, which was a three-masted Caravela-type fast sailing ship. The pattern of the flags hanging from the mast indicated that it was a Spanish armed merchant ship from the Philippine Governorate. Judging by its low draft and the course it was taking against the wind, it appeared to have just returned from a trade in Naha.

"Qin She is quite energetic today." Observing Zheng Kezang, who is small in stature yet sweating profusely as he completes the designated training regimen, the martial arts instructor responsible for his training cannot help but praise him for spontaneously stretching and doing frog jumps. "Take a break, have some water, wipe off your sweat, and rest for a while before continuing your practice"

Zheng Kezang, however, could not be as presumptuous as Zhu Jin, and immediately stood up again to pay his respects: "Son pays his respects to Mother!"

Upon hearing this, the deputy leader of the leading fast boat immediately climbed up the lookout post in three steps and two strides. After carefully discerning for a long time, he finally slid down the mast, his expression grave as he confirmed: "My lord, Ding Er Gou did not make a mistake; it is indeed a Qing army cargo ship, with a capacity of 1,000 liào (Note: in this text, 1 liào = 60 KG of load)."

"Signal to Liu Su Eleven to prepare to turn back," after hesitating for a moment, the chief made a decision. Indeed, the opponent was already in a position that seemed to invite slaughter, and at this moment, it was unacceptable for oneself to be too frightened to advance. Regardless of whether it was a trap, one must step forward to test it. "Let’s go take a look. By the way, have Liu Su Eleven keep a close watch. In case it’s a trap set by the Tartars, we must not hesitate to return to Penghu to report the situation..."

Zheng Kezang calculated and confirmed that it was indeed the time for the Sanfan Rebellion to rise, when Geng Jingzhong invited the Ming Zheng to send troops. Upon realizing this, Zheng Kezang suddenly grasped Zhu Jin's hand: "Father and the library, are we going to war again"

"Sir, to the northeast." After continuing northward for more than half an hour, the lookout stationed in the watchtower suddenly sounded an alarm. "There is a ship from Qianliaofu, flying the yellow dragon flag; it is a vessel of the Tartars' Fujian Navy."

As the eldest son of a powerful faction, twelve-year-old Zheng Kezang has a considerable amount of homework to complete each day, among which practicing martial arts in the early morning is one task. In the past, the sleepy child naturally wished to stay in bed as long as possible, but now, knowing the uncertainty of his future, Zheng Kezang will not miss any opportunity.

"No," replied the bearded assistant foreman with a definite answer. "I can see very clearly that there is absolutely no second Tatar warship in the Five Rivers."

This is Jin Shijiu, serving his own chief eunuch. A series of memories flashed through Zheng Kezang's mind. Although the Qing court's official title for Zhu Jin remained that of the Prince of the Ming Dynasty and General of the Great Campaign, this did not prevent Zhu Jin, who had already been referred to as the King of Taiwan by the British, from employing eunuchs within Anping City just as in the Ming and Qing palaces.

After much effort in steering the conversation towards Zhu Jin, Zheng Kezang, suppressing his wildly beating heart, asked in a childlike tone: "Can the son go along to listen too?"

Although Chen Zhaoniang's questioning seemed somewhat indiscriminate, her tone conveyed a soft and tender sentiment. Zhu Jin, who was slightly intoxicated, immediately played along, adopting a posture that suggested a deep emotional connection, which made Zheng Kezang unable to suppress a smile while also feeling an inexplicable warmth.

"Qin She has arrived, get up." Zhu Jin looked at his beloved son, his face filled with joy. "Come, sit down." Just as the father and son settled in, a sound of jingling bells echoed, and a graceful woman walked out from the inner room. Upon seeing this woman, Zhu Jin's expression grew even more delighted. "Zhao Niang, why did you take so long to wash up?"

This is not easy to say! Zhu Jin touched Zheng Kezang's head, then turned to give Chen Zhaoniang an apologetic smile. "Father wants to hear the opinions of several important ministers before deciding whether to go to the mainland"

At this moment, the red barbarians on the ship also discovered Zheng Jun's fleet. Before long, a cannon window on one side opened, and clouds of gunpowder smoke began to rise, followed by a thunderous sound echoing. However, do not misunderstand; the other party was not demonstrating against what they perceived as a small entity, but rather firing a salute as a tribute to the Zheng Navy, which holds an undisputed dominant position in the Northeast Asian waters.

"It doesn't matter if Qinshe wants to go or not," Zhu Jin said, dismissing Chen Zhaoniang's reaction. "In the future, this Taiwan will ultimately be handed over to him, so it's good to listen in." Having said this, Zhu Jin instructed, "Greet Master Lü for me; Qinshe's class is suspended for today. Qinshe, come, your father will take you to the palace to see things..."

Am I experiencing a rebirth through possession? Lying on the solid wood carved bed, inhaling the faint aroma of the wood, Fang Ming pondered this question. Could this really be fantasy? As he recalled the resounding words he faintly heard before his consciousness faded, Fang Ming couldn't help but shake his head. Is there truly a ruler in this world who can reverse time and control fate?

Zheng Kezang was still secretly swearing when the door was gently knocked. A sharp voice, like that of a rooster, came in: "Qin She, it is time to get up; Master Wu is already waiting at the training ground."

However, apart from her outstanding beauty, Chen Zhaoniang's tenderness was also something that Zhu Jin's legitimate wife, Tang He, the daughter of Tang Xianyue, the Minister of War during the Longwu period, lacked. This led to her monopolizing most of Zhu Jin's affection, which in turn accumulated a significant amount of dissatisfaction within the Zheng clan. Although these grievances could not manifest as a force for revenge while Zhu Jin was alive due to his strong support, once Zhu Jin, this towering tree, was no longer present, it would fundamentally contribute to the instability and eventual downfall of Zheng Kezang in the future. As a reborn individual, he naturally had a clear understanding and profound insight into this matter.

"Your Highness!" Chen Zhaoniang, fearing that Zhu Jin would be angry, hurriedly pulled her son back. "Matters of state will be handled by your father, the king. You are just a child; why join in the commotion?"

Urgent military report? Both father and son furrowed their brows simultaneously

Thank you, Master. Zheng Kezang expressed his gratitude with a cupped-hand gesture, and this unusual action made the Master feel a sense of joy amidst his doubts

Is there only one boat? What kind of ridiculous idea are the Tartars coming up with? Do they really think that infiltrating with just one boat would be hard to detect?

In a previous life, when he was writing, Fang Ming had once searched for an entry on Baidu, which left him both amused and exasperated. With the Qing Dynasty outside and corrupt officials within, it was indeed a defiance against heaven to seize a body. However, having been given the chance to live again, Fang Ming, no, Zheng Kezang, naturally did not wish to live merely for six years. For the sake of his own life, he was determined to fight to the end

The brief interlude quickly passed. A few individuals had breakfast, and Zheng Kezang was just about to take his leave to prepare for Master Lü's lessons when suddenly, a palace attendant burst in. It was one of Zhu Jin's personal attendants: "Your Majesty, urgent military news has arrived; several officials are already in the outer hall."

Zheng Kezang asked again: "Is Father going to the mainland? Will it take a long time before we can see Father again?"

After finishing the cold boiled water, Zheng Kezang practiced for a while longer. Jin Shijiu came to take him to the He Yuan, where his mother, Chen Zhaoniang, lived, for breakfast. Although Zheng Kezang is the eldest son of Zhu Jin, his mother, Chen Zhaoniang, is not the legitimate wife or concubine of the Prince of Yanping, Zhu Jin; she is merely a wet nurse of Zhu Jin's fourth brother, Zheng Zhi.

"Qin She, why is there so much sweat on your forehead? Someone, quickly bring a towel to wipe the young master's face." As she spoke, Chen Zhaoniang shot a glance at Zhu Jin. "It must be your father who made you run all the way here, not caring for his son at all."

In the twenty-eighth year of the Yongli era of the Ming Dynasty, the thirteenth year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, and in March of the year 1674 of the Western calendar, although a protracted war had erupted on the mainland due to the Qing court's reduction of feudal lords, the Taiwan Strait, bathed in bright spring light, still seemed to be in a state of tranquility far removed from the conflict.

"The sails have been lowered?" The chief and the deputy foreman exchanged glances, for in this era of naval warfare, speed and wind direction are of utmost importance. Once speed is lost, no matter how large the ship or how many cannons it possesses, it can only be slowly tormented by the opponent. Therefore, the enemy ship's actions left them somewhat perplexed.

The chief helmsman hesitated for a moment; "Make sure to see if there are any other clear dogs behind this large ship besides this one?"

The short distance from Yanwuping to Heyuan was quickly traversed in Zheng Kezang's contemplation. As Zheng Kezang stepped into Heyuan, a tall and imposing middle-aged man appeared before him. This man was none other than Zheng Kezang's biological father in this life, the Lord of Dongning, the third generation of the Zheng family, also known as Zheng Jing, Zhu Jin.

"Your Majesty, it is time to rise." Noticing the silence in the room, Jin Shijiu called out once more. Soon, he heard the sound of someone turning over. Jin Shijiu straightened up and nodded to the young eunuch behind him. Following his lead, several eunuchs quietly entered the room. "Your Majesty, please wash your face first, then put on your outer robe..."

Walking on the way to the He Yuan, Zheng Kezang made such a decision. Of course, as a mere twelve-year-old boy, he could not simply rely on a show of strength to command a loyal armed force. The generals would not easily bow down in submission. During the transitional period between the Ming and Qing dynasties, even the old ministers who had followed the Zheng family for three generations were not easily swayed by Zheng Kezang. He would need to explore alternative approaches.

In response to the other party's overtures, Zheng Jun's swift patrol boat showed no sign of appreciation whatsoever. The thirty-two oars on the side of the boat moved up and down, propelling the vessel forward at a speed akin to an arrow released from a bow, swiftly passing by the other party at an extremely close distance. At one point, the lead ship even pretended to aim its sole bow cannon, yet it soon sailed away amidst the astonished gazes of the onlookers.