Chapter 6: Zheng Keshuang and Sugar

Zheng Cong has always held great respect for his imposing elder brother, Zhu Jin. Therefore, upon hearing Zheng Kezang say this, he was momentarily taken aback and then awkwardly chuckled, saying, "Qin She is joking. Between us, uncle and nephew, we are not outsiders. Moreover, with the army's westward expedition, resources are indeed tight, and my second uncle is not in a comfortable position. It's just a bit of venting, not to be taken seriously."

Slow down, slow down," Zheng Cong jumped up and grabbed Zheng Kezang. "What unexpected fortune are you talking about? Clarify it before you leave.

Let us go to the residence of the Marquis of Funing (Note: I once glanced at a book that mentioned Zheng Chenggong's descendants held the title of marquis. I spent an entire day researching but could not find any information. If any fellow readers know, please do not hesitate to enlighten me)

In addition to continuously dispatching troops and supplies from Taiwan, Zhu Jin also sent out spies to establish connections everywhere. Due to the Zheng family's three generations of operations in southern Fujian and northern Guangdong, their influence and connections remained intact. Furthermore, with Geng Jingzhong's reckless actions, Wang Fanxi, the son of the Fujian governor Wang Jinggong stationed in Quanzhou, Huang Fangdu, the Qinghai Chenggong in possession of Zhangzhou, and Liu Jinchong, the general of Chaozhou, all turned to the Zheng army, making the situation extremely favorable for the Ming-Zheng regime.

Is it fake? Zheng Cong was taken aback, indeed, what if it is fake

This is the daily schedule of Zheng Kezang: besides attending the morning and evening sessions at Dong Guotai, he practices martial arts early in the morning. The entire morning is spent studying literature and reading under Mr. Lü's guidance. Only in the afternoon does he have free time—usually, he rushes to the Tongzi Camp to train with them. Of course, he also makes it a point to have meals with his mother, Chen Zhaoniang, at regular intervals.

Hehe, Zheng Kezang chuckled lightly, then sat up straight with an air of a little adult. "Second uncle, rest assured, I will not tell father." Only then did Zheng Cong let out a long sigh of relief, but he soon heard Zheng Kezang casually say, "Does second uncle have a sugar shop? Which one can I play with?"

"In fact, it doesn't matter if it doesn't work out," Zheng Kezang said softly. "Extracting sugar is inherently a business with low investment and high returns."

Although the Boy Scout camp has officially transitioned to training at www.hetushu.com, Zheng Kezang's identity is not merely that of the camp commander of this group, which may seem like a joke to outsiders. It is impossible for him to spend all his time mingling with them, lest he give Zhu Jin or certain individuals who are concerned about his development the impression of being distracted by trivial pursuits

Uncle Er has his own ways

"It is indeed a rare honor," Zheng Cong said with some surprise upon hearing that Zheng Kezang had come to pay him a visit. He hurriedly instructed someone to welcome this esteemed guest in. "Please, have a seat, have a seat. Your second uncle has only this meager salary, so while he cannot provide a lavish meal, he can only offer you some snacks and fruits. Please do not think that your uncle is being unreasonable."

Sugar? Zheng Keshuang's eyes lit up; this sweet substance quickly alleviated the sense of distance between him and Zheng Kezang. Thus, he took the initiative to embrace Zheng Kezang. "Big brother, good big brother, please give Qin'er some sweet sugar..."

Zhu Chenggong had ten sons, among whom only the eldest, Zhu Jin, inherited the titles of Ming Zhao Tao General and Prince of Yanping, while the others were all granted the title of Marquis. Among them, the title of Marquis of Funing belonged to the second son, Zheng Cong. However, despite having the character "Cong" in his name, which suggests intelligence, Zheng Cong was extremely greedy and showed no signs of wisdom. Zhu Jin kept him firmly under control during his time in power, but once Zhu Jin embarked on a military expedition, Zheng Cong began to stir restlessly, making him a useful pawn for Zheng Kezang. Nevertheless, Zheng Cong, despite his name suggesting cleverness, was indeed very greedy and displayed no intelligence whatsoever. Zhu Jin had kept him thoroughly suppressed, but with Zhu Jin away on campaign, Zheng Cong started to show signs of restlessness, making him a perfect tool for Zheng Kezang.

There is nothing much; I was just flipping through a few agricultural books when I suddenly came across an article about sugar production. It included methods for making rock candy and snow sugar. I originally planned to borrow the sugar workshop from my second uncle to demonstrate and see if the secret methods mentioned in the book were true. Unfortunately, my second uncle does not have a sugar workshop, so...

Then I will trouble Sister Ziling. Zheng Kezang secretly curled his lip; to be honest, coming to the Northern Garden villa every morning and evening has been Zheng Kezang's duty as the eldest grandson since Zhu Jin left Taiwan. As for whether the always dissatisfied Old Lady Dong would appreciate it, that is beyond his control. In any case, as long as he comes, others cannot attack him for being unfilial from the perspective of propriety. "Additionally, please ask Sister Ziling to convey to Grandmother that Qiner will come to pay respects in the evening..." As for whether the always dissatisfied Old Lady Dong would appreciate it, that is beyond his control. In any case, as long as he comes, others cannot attack him for being unfilial from the perspective of propriety. "Additionally, please ask Sister Ziling to convey to Grandmother that Qiner will come to pay respects in the evening..."

The exclusive business of the Ministry of Public Works

"Take your time eating." Watching Zheng Keshuang devour the sugar crumbs, Zheng Kezang squinted slightly. As a contemporary online writer who fully utilized the resources available on the internet, Zheng Kezang naturally understood that the coup d'état six or seven years later was not the intention of this gluttonous child for sweets.

To this, Zheng Cong quickly changed his tone and said: "There is a candy shop, of course there is a candy shop, Qinshe, do not worry, Second Uncle will find a way to buy one right away"

Since the Ming-Zheng side had a falling out with Geng Jizhong, they naturally ceased to be courteous. From the end of May to mid-July of that year, the Taiwan Strait was continuously filled with military and supply ships coming from Chengtian Prefecture. It was not until the onset of the typhoon that the entire transport fleet took a temporary pause. By this time, the Zheng army had already gathered tens of thousands of troops in places such as Jinmen and Xiamen.

"Where is it, Uncle Er is being polite." As soon as they met, Zheng Cong complained about his financial difficulties, which made Zheng Kezang feel that his plan had a great chance of success, so he further fueled the conversation. "Uncle Er is a dignified marquis; if one were to say that he can barely eat and stay warm, wouldn’t that make outsiders blame my father for being harsh to his own kin?"

Jin Shijiu, Zheng Kezang returned to his study and summoned the eunuch who served him before his instructor, Master Lü, arrived. "Go find a few sugarcane workers. After class, bring them to meet Yu..."

Zheng Kezang, caught between laughter and tears, set down the unruly child who had been kicking. He pinched the child's cheek with one hand and pulled out a package wrapped in oiled paper from his bosom with the other, slightly unwrapping it and shaking it towards Zheng Keshuang: "Little rascal, why don’t you tell me how your elder brother has bullied you"

Zheng Kezang lifted the child with great effort. Fortunately, although it was still somewhat strenuous, he managed to lift the other person up. However, Zheng Kezhuang, with both feet off the ground, suddenly began to cry: "Put me down, Mother, Your Highness, Brother is bullying me"

Although white sugar began to be produced in the southern regions towards the end of the Ming Dynasty, its quality was poor and still needed improvement. On the other hand, the so-called rock sugar was unheard of. If, as Zheng Kezang claimed, there were any secret methods, it would indeed be a windfall, and for a moment, Zheng Cong's eyes were dazzled by flashes of golden light

Sister Ziling, has grandmother gotten up?

"Mr. Xuanhu? Mr. Yangming?" Chen Yonghua raised an eyebrow; these two individuals were indeed remarkable, both being masters of their generation. However, hearing them mentioned by the twelve-year-old boy Zheng Kezang made it seem so absurd, so unbelievable, that Chen Yonghua's attitude became exceptionally resolute. "Young Master, I have already stated that this matter is absolutely unfeasible. I urge you to abandon this thought."

Qin She? Just as Zheng Kezang came out from the North Garden villa, he immediately spotted Zheng Keshuang, who had just jumped out of the car. The lively child was originally dashing towards the courtyard, but upon suddenly seeing his six-year-older brother standing right in front of him, he lost his footing and crashed into Zheng Kezang's embrace. "Oh dear, Qin She has gotten chubbier again"

They are also pitiful people used by ambitious individuals. Zheng Kezang sighed inwardly, realizing that this might be the reason the other party ultimately agreed to surrender to the Qing dynasty. Both were held hostage, both were under house arrest; at least going to Beijing seemed to offer a chance to escape the control of the powerful ministers. Unfortunately, it was merely escaping from a tiger's den only to enter a wolf's lair. With this thought, Zheng Kezang felt even more compassion in his heart, and raised his voice to speak ambiguously, saying, "Do not worry, with the elder brother here, no one can blame you..." At least going to Beijing seemed to offer a chance to escape the control of the powerful ministers. Unfortunately, it was merely escaping from a tiger's den only to enter a wolf's lair. With this thought, Zheng Kezang felt even more compassion in his heart, and raised his voice to speak ambiguously, saying, "Do not worry, with the elder brother here, no one can blame you..."

As the momentum of the Ming-Zheng faction gradually intensified, Geng Jingzhong, filled with regret, could no longer remain idle. Consequently, he dispatched envoys to Zhu Jin to negotiate, hoping that the Ming-Zheng faction would return the strategic city of Quanzhou to him. However, Zhu Jin was unlikely to agree to this. Thus, Geng Jingzhong resolved to use military force to reclaim Quanzhou, and a great battle was imminent.

"Is it really a purchase?" Zheng Kezang looked at Zheng Cong with a smile that was not quite a smile. "Isn't Uncle afraid that this secret method from Yu might be a fake?"

The attendants from the nearby courtyard and the maid escorting Zheng Keshuang stared in astonishment at this scene. However, the identities of these two individuals made them hesitant to say much, so they could only allow Zheng Keshuang to be led aside by Zang.

"The eldest son, the old lady is reciting scriptures," the young female official in her twenties, though beautiful, replied with a stern face. As the saying goes, 'what is done at the top is mirrored below.' The old lady Dong has always harbored a grudge against the grandson and his mother, who caused her husband's death, so the female attendants naturally did not dare to show any smiles towards Zheng Kezang. "The eldest son's filial piety, I will certainly convey it to the old lady later, so as not to delay the eldest son from returning to his studies"

Mr. Chen's thoughts, I can guess a bit; he merely feels that my actions are somewhat inappropriate. However, the old gentleman does not know that I have recently come across Xu Wending's "Complete Book of Agricultural Administration" and found it quite beneficial. Zheng Kezang's decision to abandon the opportunity to bond and practice with the future direct descendants in the Tongzi Camp to instead sharpen his skills with Chen Yonghua is certainly aimed at achieving his goals in one decisive effort. Not understanding agriculture means not understanding the livelihood of the people, and not understanding the livelihood of the people means not knowing how to govern. I can be considered someone who integrates knowledge and action.

"Jinjin Taiwan Sugar, Dots of Blood and Tears" — Even during the Japanese occupation, the sugar industry remained an important source of revenue for Taiwan. However, it is clearly impossible to persuade Chen Yonghua to change his course at this time, especially given the current situation where the army is advancing westward and urgently needs supplies. Therefore, what Zheng Kezang can do at present is to improve the yield and quality of sugarcane within the existing planting area.

Indeed, indeed. Zheng Cong seemed to awaken from a dream. "If we cannot make premium snow sugar, can we not make ordinary snow sugar instead"

"What? The young master wants a sugar workshop?" Upon hearing Zheng Kezang's request, Chen Yonghua felt somewhat displeased. In his view, the other party seemed to have lost his way. Instead of reading the sage's teachings on self-cultivation, family management, governance, and world peace, he was now talking about establishing a youth camp and experimenting with new methods of sugar extraction in a sugar workshop. This was truly a case of losing sight of the essentials. "This matter should not be brought up by the young master; otherwise, I will have no way to explain it to the king"

After sending off Zheng Kezang, Zheng Cong, feeling quite pleased, suddenly came to a realization: "This little rascal, how does he act like a little adult? He is only twelve years old this year, remarkable, truly remarkable. Ah, our Zheng family has produced another talent."

After parting reluctantly from Zheng Keshuang, as he returned to his residence, Zheng Kezang, mounted on his horse, involuntarily fell into deep thought. The cause of his contemplation could be described as a sudden inspiration, and the subject of his reflection was the candy he had just given to Zheng Keshuang. Candy is not a novel item in Taiwan; as early as the period of Dutch occupation, sugarcane and sugar were significant sources of revenue for the Dutch East India Company. However, under Zhu Jin's leadership, in order to provide sufficient provisions for the army, Chen Yonghua proposed converting large areas of sugarcane fields into farmland. While this measure alleviated the shortage of military supplies for Zheng's forces, it also resulted in a lack of an export product that could generate substantial revenue in foreign trade for the Ming Zheng regime.

Then, before the sugar period, I need to see the sugar mill and the personnel

Zheng Kezang, who was expelled by Chen Yonghua, felt quite indignant. However, no matter what, he could not reverse Chen Yonghua's decision. Without Chen Yonghua's support, the twelve-year-old Zheng Kezang seemed to be at a loss. What should he do? Should he just give up? Time was of the essence; he did not have much time to wait for Chen Yonghua to change his mind. Therefore, he could only adopt a flexible approach to circumvent the situation.

Zheng Cong paced back and forth in the hall a few times, feeling apprehensive. However, he quickly shook his head: "Whoever becomes the ruler of Taiwan doesn't matter; as long as there is money in hand, it wouldn't be a big deal to invest in the Qing Dynasty..."

Then forget it, Zheng Kezang stood up from the chair, turned around and left, while letting out a sigh in a casual tone. I originally intended to give a windfall to my second uncle, but unfortunately, forget it, forget it, I will go ask my third uncle.

Old stubbornness, as for the Zhuge Liang of Taiwan, I believe that even if one were to push it to the limit, it would only amount to a Jiang Wei

"Qin She, don't joke around." Zheng Cong almost jumped out of his seat. "The sugar warehouse is exclusively managed by the Ministry of Works; how could my second uncle possibly have any?" However, Zheng Kezang ignored his explanation, his large eyes fixed intently on him. Zheng Cong felt a chill run down his spine under Zheng Kezang's gaze and cleared his throat. "Qin She, my second uncle really doesn't have any sugar warehouse."