Chapter Four: One Above All, Thousands Below

"Go ahead, go ahead, be sure to speak carefully," Ding Yuanzhao nodded and said

Penghu, such a small and barren place, has little glory in being second to none

Thinking again about the upcoming meeting with Zheng Zhilong, whether I can establish a foothold in Penghu is greatly related to this person, and I cannot help but feel a bit anxious in my heart

Ding Yuanzhao rarely displayed a hint of a smile on his face: "I have also conveyed the matters I needed to address. This time you are going to Penghu, and I should assist you in some way, but having served as an official for many years, I remain unencumbered by material possessions. As a person of integrity, everything must rely on your own efforts."

Ding Yunyi, who was appointed as the inspector of Penghu, felt gloomy, but what could be done? This was a "good deed" that he himself had orchestrated.

"Xiang Wen." Ding Yuanzhao emphasized his tone: "I placed you in the military with this very intention from the beginning. I initially thought you would need three to five years of training before being truly useful. However, in the battle against the Hongyi, you exceeded my expectations. I am somewhat impatient now; the sooner we go to Penghu, the sooner I can feel a bit more at ease.

When leaving, Ding Yunyi quietly observed Ding Yuanzhao on m.hetushu.com, noticing that this father appeared gloomy and unhappy, as if he always bore a look of concern for the country and its people

Ding Yuanzhao never expected what thoughts were stirring in his son's heart, and suddenly said: "Xiang Wen, if you want to effectively manage Penghu, there is one person you cannot avoid..."

Ah, Yun Yi is a number. Although Zheng Zhilong has submitted to the court, this person harbors ambitions like a wolf and is unlikely to remain under others for long. I believe it is only a matter of time...

At this point, Ding Yunyi suddenly realized that his old self had sent himself to Penghu with this intention

I have petitioned the court several times, stating that the Red Yi have occupied Taiwan and will inevitably plunder the coastal areas of Fujian. We should concentrate our naval forces and drive the Red Yi away in one decisive action. However, the court is preoccupied with dealing with bandits and the Jin invaders, and has not taken my memorials seriously. Ding Yuanzhao expressed great indignation at this: "Although Penghu has appointed You Sheng as the banner of Penghu, those guerrillas are all afraid of the harsh conditions in Penghu and have made various excuses to avoid taking office. Only Hong Diaoyuan is working hard there. Although Penghu may seem like a barren land, its location is crucial. If our Ming Dynasty occupies it, we can keep a watchful eye on Taiwan; if the Red Yi occupy it, they can threaten Fujian. We must not relax for a moment. I have long wanted to choose a trustworthy person to manage Penghu, but I have yet to find the right individual..."

In addition to these, the red barbarians have not had a moment's respite. Although our Ming Dynasty has established patrols and sent troops to Penghu, we have not stationed military forces on the main island of Taiwan. This has allowed the red barbarians of the East India Company to take advantage of the situation and occupy the southwestern part of Taiwan. The court has not intervened, allowing the red barbarians to plunder the wealth of our Ming Dynasty and massacre our citizens. This is a profound humiliation for us

Shouldn't this be considered a good official? Ding Yunyi thought to himself

I did not expect that this seemingly stern and unsmiling military officer, who shows no kindness towards himself, would be so concerned about the affairs of Taiwan

Our Great Ming has a wise sovereign today, who has eradicated the Wei faction, eliminated corruption, and reformed the court, truly the most accomplished emperor since the founding of our Great Ming. However, despite these revitalizing efforts, the realm remains far from peaceful. Rebellions are erupting in various regions, with the bandit leader Gao Niangxiang posing the greatest threat, alongside Li Ni and Zhang Ni offering loyalty, and Wang Ni acting independently. Each time one area is subdued, another rises in rebellion. The situation is similarly unstable beyond our borders, as the Jurchen invaders frequently encroach upon our frontiers. To say we face both internal strife and external threats is not an exaggeration.

Ding Yunyi was at a loss whether to laugh or cry

"Not a good person at all," Ding Yunyi muttered.

Ding Yunyi could not believe that his "father" would actually say such things to him, and for a moment, he was at a loss for how to respond. He then heard Ding Yuanzhao continue speaking:

Yun Yi understood

Ding Yuanzhao was taken aback: "Indeed, it is this person. I did not expect you to consider it so thoroughly"

One person beneath, ten thousand above

Still not fully recovered from the shock, his father Ding Yuanzhao called for him again. Although Ding Yunyi was reluctant, it was ultimately his own "father," and it would be unreasonable not to see him

I originally thought he disapproved of me, but it now seems I misjudged him

Before the words had left his mouth, Ding Yunyi had already interjected, "Zheng Zhilong?"

This inspection can be considered rather tragic

Ding Yunyi was taken aback, could it be that his father still had some unspeakable secrets?

A seventh-rank officer and a ninth-rank inspector, is it possible for them to act like local tyrants in such a small place

"Xiang Wenna." Ding Yuanzhao's tone softened considerably: "There are some things in my heart that I cannot say in front of them. Now that only you and I, father and son, are here, it is fine to discuss them in detail with you."

Ding Yunyi immediately felt a deep respect for him

At last, Zou Weilian showed some consideration by granting Ding Yunyi a sum of money as a reward for his courageous performance in naval battles, and also allowed him to select two individuals from the military to accompany him to Penghu for his appointment

What?

When it comes to local emperors, Zheng Zhilong is the true local emperor! Although he was merely a deputy general, no one could compare to him in terms of power and wealth

Yunyi did not dare. Ding Yunyi said with a stiff upper lip.

Upon seeing Ding Yuanzhao, he was still the same as ever, wearing a stern expression all day as if everyone owed him something: "Xiang Wen, are you dissatisfied with my arrangements?"

Father, I would like to visit Zheng Zhilong before I leave

What is there to consider? Ding Yunyi murmured to himself. The true overlord of Fujian and Taiwan is certainly not any of you officials or advisors; it is Zheng Zhilong, a notorious pirate with a vast fleet and wealth that rivals nations

Ding Yuanzhao's face revealed a sense of relief, feeling that his efforts in raising this son were not in vain: "It is of no concern. Peng Hubiao considers Zong Hongdiaoyuan as my disciple. Although he may be somewhat dull, he is diligent in his work. I will write a special letter to him, and he will naturally know what to do. Although you are merely a patrol inspector, you are the one in charge under the entire Penghu Hongdiaoyuan. If you need anything, I will be here in Fujian to support you, so there is no need to worry."

Well, after all this time, it still amounts to an empty promise. At least Zou Weilian rewarded himself with a sum of silver; as a father, all you have done is to impose a burden without any gesture of acknowledgment.

"What does Xiang Wen think of Zheng Zhilong as a person?" Ding Yuanzhao asked slowly

Do not speak any further. Ding Yuanzhao interrupted him and glanced outside: Some matters are best kept in one's heart; speaking them out may only lead to disaster. To restrain the Red Yi Fleet now, one cannot do without Zheng Zhilong.

Father, I understand. Ding Yunyi said respectfully: "As I go, I will certainly manage with great care, but I am merely a minor inspector, leading only ten men, I fear..."