Chapter 7, Violent Chrysanthemum
On the day of departure, Zou Weilian had already returned, and Ding Yunyi's "father" Ding Yuanzhao was busy with post-war military affairs and did not appear; only Zheng Zhilong came to see him off
"Who is this?" Ding Yunyi casually asked.
This is the newly appointed Penghu Biao inspector, Ding Yunyi.
Zheng Sen stepped forward: "Zheng Sen has met the inspector. In the battle against the Red Yi, the inspector displayed great courage, personally defeating formidable enemies and showcasing the might of our Ming army. Zheng Sen is deeply impressed."
Old Bao has been hit by the military baton again. On the side, Xiao Yifeng shook his head repeatedly
How could Ding Yunyi know whom to choose to go to the barren land of Penghu? After thinking for a long time, he chose his former superior, Xiao Yifeng.
"Noble nephew, the ship has arrived." Zheng Zhilong pointed in that direction and said, "This time we part, it is likely that we will not meet again for at least a year and a half. If you encounter any difficulties in Penghu, just send someone to deliver a letter back. I, Zheng, will not refuse to help in any way."
A ninth-rank inspector, carrying thirty taels of silver, an insignificant hundred-man leader, and a soldier with a penchant for gambling—this constitutes the "team" accompanying Inspector Ding on his assignment.
Xiao Yifeng's rank is insignificant, while Ding Yunyi, despite being a minor official, holds the position of a ninth-grade inspector. Moreover, Ding Yunyi had saved Xiao Yifeng's life. After a brief discussion, Xiao Yifeng readily agreed to accompany Ding Yunyi to Penghu.
There is no need to worry about Ding Yunyi at Hong Diaoyuan, as he is a disciple of Ding Yuanzhao and is unlikely to make things difficult for himself
How can this person's tone of speech resemble that of a child
Although my so-called father, Ding Yuanzhao, is in charge of military affairs in Fujian, in reality, I am a person of the smallest stature. However, judging by Zheng Zhilong's attitude, he places great importance on me, resorting to threats of violence and even gifting me a knife.
This person is indeed interesting, Ding Yunyi thought to himself
The words "get rich" suddenly pierced into Bao Ju Hua's ears, and his eyes immediately lit up: "Indeed, since I've completely offended General Jiang this time, he might come looking for trouble. It would be good to go to Penghu to avoid the storm. Inspector Ding, I will be counting on you to look after me in the future"
Ding Yunyi did not preach any grand principles to him; he simply lowered his voice and said, "Old Bao, have you ever heard the old saying? The more chaotic the place, the greater the opportunities for wealth.
The name was so outrageous that Ding Yunyi almost burst out laughing. Bao Juhua? Violent Chrysanthemum? How could there be such strange names in the world? But then again, people in this era wouldn't know what Violent Chrysanthemum even is
Ding Yunyi simply decided to let go of things he couldn't understand, to avoid unnecessary mental strain. What is urgent now is to take up his post in Penghu
Just as I was about to randomly pick one, suddenly a soldier was dragged out from over there. This soldier was knocked to the ground, and the soldiers on both sides picked up their batons and began to strike him.
What events will take place at the Penghu Convention? Ding Yunyi is not aware of them
As for whom to choose, Ding Yunyi is still uncertain.
"Nonsense," Xiao Yifeng said with a glare. "Ding Xunqian is the son of Lord Ding Yuanzhao."
Due to Ding Yunyi's outstanding performance in the naval battle, and in order to comfort him, Zou Weilian rewarded Ding Yunyi with a sum of silver—thirty taels—and allowed him to select two companions from the army to accompany him.
Xiao Yifeng did not know what the inspector was thinking: "This person is not afraid of death in battle, truly daring to risk his life, but there is one thing that is not good—he likes to gamble. Once the pay arrives, at most half a day later it will belong to someone else. What to do when there is no money left? Pawn something, take whatever is in sight, regardless of whether it is his own or someone else's"
Thank you for your hospitality, I take my leave
I have met Inspector Ding. Bao Juhua clenched his fist and said, "I have been to Penghu; it is a wild and desolate place. An inspector assigned there must have offended his superiors, right"
A deputy general presented a farewell to an inspection team, which can also be considered as giving sufficient face to Ding Yunyi
Xiao Yifeng gave a bitter smile: "This person can be considered my fellow townsman, just Ba Juhua..."
However, since Heaven has brought me to the Ming Dynasty, there must be a reason for it
The two individuals can be considered as complete.
The inspection officer is merely a minor official of the ninth rank. Upon taking office, there was neither a farewell nor any handover of responsibilities. Only the Governor of Fujian, Zou Weilian, wrote a handwritten note, instructing Ding Yunyi to deliver it to General Hong Diaoyuan of Penghubeiao, essentially indicating that a patrol officer had been assigned to Hong Diaoyuan, which does not even qualify as a formal appointment.
Ding Yunyi finished speaking and boarded the ship with Xiao Yifeng and Bao Juhua. He could never have imagined that, merely because of a hand grenade, he inexplicably found himself in the Ming Dynasty, inexplicably becoming the inspector of the Penghu Biao.
I have sworn brotherhood with Zheng Chenggong? Forget it. This person will have deep schemes in the future; he is certainly not a good sort. Just make sure not to offend him, that is all. Ding Yunyi thought to himself.
His words were not merely polite; they were greatly appreciated by Zheng Zhilong, who seemed even happier than if someone had praised himself, as if praising his son brought him more joy. He humbly responded several times: "Thank you for your kind words, dear nephew. It is a pity that Mingyan is still too young; otherwise, the two of you could have sworn brotherhood."
Laozi took General Jiang's thermal underwear out and sold it, didn't he get hit with ten military sticks?" Bao Juhua muttered
The soldier who was beaten remained resilient; under the blows of the ten military sticks, he gritted his teeth and endured without uttering a word
After the military baton was used, Bao Jiahua was taken in for an injury examination. After a while, he emerged, limping towards us. Xiao Yifeng laughed and said, "Old Bao, what trouble have you gotten into this time?"
Who is this?" Bao Juhua asked in confusion
Ming Yan, come here to meet Inspector Ding" Zheng Zhilong called out
Bao Juhua then took notice, scrutinizing Ding Yunyi from head to toe. After a moment, he said: "Ding Daren's son? Hey, I must say your father has quite the sense of humor. Why throw his own son into Penghu of all places, when there are so many other options? Ding Xunxian, let me tell you, Penghu is not only extremely impoverished, but also frequented by Red Yi and pirates. One misstep and life could be lost."
During a conversation, upon seeing Zheng Zhilong with a child, one casually asked, "Who is this?"
It is easy to say, easy to say
Ding Yunyi and Zheng Sen are of the same generation. After exchanging a few polite remarks, Ding said to Zheng Zhilong: "I see that Young Master Zheng is exceptionally talented and articulate; his future achievements may surpass even those of Can Rong."
With a sudden thought, I clasped my hands and said: "Brother Bao, you have stolen the general's thermal underwear; how could the general not hold a grudge in his heart? I see that you cannot continue here, so why not come with me to Penghu?"
Zheng Sen? The future Zheng Chenggong? Upon hearing this name, Ding Yunyi paid particular attention.
Ding Yunyi found it quite difficult to comprehend Zheng Zhilong's actions
What exactly was Zheng Zhilong plotting? I truly cannot make sense of it myself
Ding Yunyi and Xiao Yifeng could not help but chuckle. Ding Yunyi observed closely; although Bao Jiahua was referred to as "Old Bao," he appeared to be only in his twenties, with a robust physique.
This is my son, Zheng Sen. Zheng Zhilong spoke of his son with great pride