Chapter 6, Lu Zhenfei

He thought to himself that this person was probably Lu Zhenfei

Zhu Cilang focused his gaze and saw that this person was wearing a black cap, dressed in a cloud and goose patterned robe, with a leather belt tied around his waist

Zhu Cilang believes that if the bandits truly send a detachment to besiege Huai'an, Lu Zhenfei would have the strength to fight back

Hearing this, Lu Zhenfei's heart was once again ignited with hope: "Your Highness, you flatter me. I have only trained over 20,000 local militia from the two Huai regions, which is not comparable to the border troops."

Lu Zhenfei not only organizes training for the local militia on a regular basis, but also hones these 1,000 soldiers of the provincial garrison to a state as solid as bronze and iron.

Zhu Cilang was aware that the system of garrisons in the late Ming Dynasty had collapsed, with a serious issue of military households fleeing their registrations. Those who remained were largely subjected to layers of exploitation by various military officers, becoming their tenants and lacking any combat capability

Zhu Cilang adjusted his robe and followed behind.

Zhu Cilang walked to the front of the main house, paused, and adjusted his robe.

Zhu Cilang hurriedly helped Lu Zhenfei up and remarked, "Your Excellency, I have come to Nanjing to assume the regency on behalf of the Emperor's decree, and I happened to pass through Huai'an, so I made a special visit to see you." He paused and continued, "The bandits have besieged the capital, and the Emperor has issued an order for me to go to Nanjing to assume the regency. How could I dare to disobey the command? Fortunately, I successfully broke through the siege, first arriving at Tianjin, then taking a ship along the sea route to Haizhou, and after four or five days, I finally reached Huai'an."

... ...

You two can wait for me outside

During the late Ming Dynasty, the truly combat-effective forces were the border troops, specifically the recruited soldiers. Among these border troops, the most formidable fighters were the personal guards of the generals and vice-generals. These individuals were the private soldiers of the commanders, displaying exceptional bravery in battle; however, they also had the issue of loyalty solely to their leaders rather than to the court.

Zhu Cilang has acknowledged this statement

However, upon further reflection, Lu Zhenfei had served as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, which makes him a significant official. It is possible that he had met with me during his time in the capital. After all, Zhu Cilang's time travel occurred in the seventeenth year of the Chongzhen era, and it is conceivable that he had encountered Lu Zhenfei in the Eastern Palace prior to that.

Slightly different is the fact that in front of this governor's office, there is a small parade ground, surrounded by racks of weapons displaying various types of arms

He slightly leaned forward, a smile on his face, and said: "My master is in the main room of this courtyard. Once you enter this door, you will be in the inner residence. Only the young master may enter, and I kindly ask the two gentlemen to wait outside for a moment."

Both Liao Town and Zuo Town are the same

It is said that along the Huai'an Governor's Road, there is a capable and battle-hardened battalion, with a strength of approximately 1,000 soldiers

Zhu Cilang and Shengdao: "In just one short year, it is indeed remarkable that the Haoyue Public can train tens of thousands of local heroes, which brings great comfort to my lonely heart"

I am unable to share your burdens, and I deserve to die a thousand deaths

Zhu Cilang was not surprised and said with a faint smile, "I would trouble you, old sir, to lead the way ahead."

Emperor Chongzhen was very fond of his eldest son, Zhu Cilang, and would often have him by his side to serve during discussions of state affairs or when receiving officials.

Menzi, accompanied by Zhu Cilang, traversed through the halls and courtyards, stopping in front of a flower-laden archway

Since Lu Zhenfei entered the palace to bid farewell before taking office in Huai'an in the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen reign, it is not difficult to explain that he had met Zhu Cilang

After a few days, when the news of the fall of the capital and the suicide of Chongzhen to defend the country arrived, Zhu Cilang would be able to ascend the throne in Nanjing and proclaim himself emperor. At that time, it would be justifiable to demand the 20,000 local troops from Lu Zhenfei.

Zhu Cilang saw the two men glaring with wide eyes and pressed his hands downwards

The rear courtyard consists of several independent yards. According to what was said, the Governor of Huai'an, Lu Zhenfei, resides in the cross courtyard just inside the entrance

Lu Zhenfei clearly understood Zhu Cilang's confusion and explained: "In the sixteenth year of the reign of Emperor Chongzhen, I had the honor of meeting Your Highness during the farewell ceremony."

He is certainly comforting Lu Zhenfei; if he has not miscalculated, Li Zicheng has most likely already taken his seat in the Golden Throne Hall of the Forbidden City, enjoying his power and wealth. Meanwhile, his subordinates are mostly busy in the capital pursuing stolen goods. Those noble lords and powerful officials who refused to provide silver to assist the army in the face of great enemies ultimately not only failed to escape disaster but also lost their fortunes and lives, truly embodying the saying of cause and effect, the cycle of heavenly justice.

Zhu Cilang has indeed set his sights on the 20,000 local troops under Lu Zhenfei. Currently, he has no soldiers at his disposal; apart from the title of Crown Prince, he possesses little persuasive power. In this chaotic late Ming period, having troops is essential for wielding influence, and Zhu Cilang does not wish to become a puppet like Hongguang. To restore the Ming Dynasty, the first step is to take control of the 20,000 local militia led by Lu Zhenfei

Zhu Cilang knew that he was worried about Emperor Chongzhen, and he could only sigh and say: "The capital is as precarious as a pile of eggs."

In the original history, on the 8th day of the 4th month, Luo Zhenfei would receive the news of the fall of the capital and the emperor's sacrifice for the country, and it is estimated that it is similar in this timeline as well

Liu Chuanrong and Zhao Xin exchanged a glance and followed suit into the building. As for the remaining guards, they waited outside the yamen.

The front courtyard is where the governor handles official business, while the back courtyard serves as the governor's living quarters.

Zhu Cilang would certainly not reveal this result in advance; after all, within at most ten days, the news should arrive.

At this time, Lu Zhenfei served as the Right Assistant Minister overseeing the transportation of grain, concurrently holding the position of Governor of Huai'an. The cloud and goose insignia he wore corresponded precisely with the rank of a fourth-grade official

Zhao Xin was also extremely dissatisfied. As the Chief Guard of the Eastern Palace, if he were not by Zhu Cilang's side, who would ensure the safety of the Crown Prince

Lu Zhenfei was extremely excited to see the Crown Prince addressing him by his nickname. However, upon recalling that the Holy Son was still trapped in the Divine Capital, he choked up and asked, "May I inquire, Your Highness, what is the current situation in the Divine Capital?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Liu Chuanrong became anxious; his duty was to serve the Crown Prince, and naturally, he could not leave Zhu Cilang's side.

Having spoken, Zhu Cilang took a package from Liu Chuanzong's hands and directly passed through the drooping flower gate to the inner courtyard

The layout of this provincial governor's office is similar to that of a typical county or prefectural office, featuring a structure with the front office and a rear courtyard.

Of course, he is not yet familiar with Lu Zhenfei, and it is impossible for him to make such a request rashly. Moreover, his current status is merely that of the regent prince, not the emperor, and it would also be taboo to demand military power without caution; Lu Zhenfei would certainly not grant it to him.

In addition to the border troops commanded by military generals, the standard troops under the governors and circuit intendants also constitute a military force with considerable combat capability

Who would have thought that Lu Zhenfei would suddenly kneel down on the ground with a thud, weeping uncontrollably as he said: "I, Lu Zhenfei, Governor of the Transport Department and Prefect of Huai'an, pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Currently, most of Shandong is under the control of bandits, and the nearby Huai'an Prefecture naturally feels the pressure

It is just that Zhu Cilang did not inherit this memory

Just as he was about to knock on the door, an elderly man with white hair and beard opened it

The official did not dare to speak, bending forward as he walked ahead

Zhu Cilang was filled with confusion; he had no recollection of having seen this person before. Why did the other party bow down and pay respects without even confirming his identity?

Lu Zhenfei once again fell into a fit of grief, pounding his chest and weeping

Zhu Cilang was quite moved by this. If everyone were like Lu Zhenfei, how could the Ming Dynasty have reached such a state of dire straits today

He comforted, saying: "Your Excellency Haoyue, your words are mistaken. I have heard that you have trained tens of thousands of soldiers in Huai'an, all of whom are battle-ready. Although the rebels are currently besieging the capital, the loyal forces are hastily arriving in the vicinity, and the defeat of the rebels is imminent."